China’s Zhuang Yushan and Ni Feifan ecstatic to qualify for the VNL Finals
China has become the sixth team to secure a spot in the women’s Volleyball Nations League Finals, set to be held in Lodz, Poland. Following their four-set victory over Canada on Friday in Arlington, USA, the Asian squad confirmed their qualification. Currently sitting sixth in the VNL standings with a 7-3 win-loss record and 20 points, China is now guaranteed a place among the top teams and cannot be pushed out of the qualification zone. The remaining two spots in the Finals are still being contested by Germany, USA, and tournament newcomers Czechia. Conversely, Canada, with a 2-8 record and 7 points, ranks 16th and is one of three teams (along with Thailand and Korea) facing potential relegation.
In Friday’s decisive match, 22-year-old outside hitter Zhuang Yushan delivered a stellar performance, leading China to a 3-1 win with set scores of 25-22, 25-15, 22-25, and 25-23. Zhuang was the top scorer with a match-high 21 points, including three aces and one kill block. Her fellow 22-year-old outside hitter, Wu Mengjie, also made a significant contribution with 18 points, ultimately scoring the winning point for the match. Opposite and team captain Gong Xiangyu added 14 points to the tally.
Speaking to VBTV after securing qualification, Zhuang Yushan expressed her delight: “I am very happy we made it to the Finals. It is my first time to play in the VNL, and I am happy our team made the effort to achieve it. We have been playing on fire, full of energy. We help each other and complement each other on the court.”
Canada`s Top Scorers
On the Canadian side, four players reached double digits in scoring: 21-year-old opposite Anna Smrek recorded 14 points, including four blocks. 19-year-old outside hitter Abagayle Guezen also finished with 14 points. Middle blocker Emily Maglio contributed 12 points, and outside hitter Andrea Mitrovic added 11.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick