Meliushkyna, Czyrnianska, Van Aalen, Digrinova, and Cazaute also distinguished themselves as top performers in various statistical categories during the preliminary rounds in Thailand.
Sweden’s Isabelle Haak in action during the championship.
Swedish sensation Isabelle Haak has unequivocally claimed the title of the top scorer and best attacker during the preliminary rounds of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship in Thailand. Alongside her stellar performance, other notable statistical leaders emerging from this initial phase include Ukraine’s Diana Meliushkyna, Poland’s Martyna Czyrnianska, the Netherlands’ Sarah van Aalen, Czechia’s Daniela Digrinova, and France’s Helena Cazaute.
Haak`s Scoring Prowess
Haak`s dominance in scoring is remarkable, with a substantial lead over her competitors. Across her three matches, she amassed an impressive 95 points, achieving 31 points against the Netherlands, 25 against Thailand, and an astounding 39 against Egypt. Her total also featured five aces and five decisive kill blocks. Her closest rivals lag by at least 25 points; Argentina’s Bianca Cugno registered 70 points, while Mexico’s Sofia Maldonado secured 68 points, completing the top three. France’s Helena Cazaute, with 66 points, holds the fourth spot and is the highest-ranked player continuing into the upcoming eighthfinals.
Attacking Excellence
Beyond her overall scoring, Haak also topped the charts for best attackers with 85 spike kills. Maldonado followed with 64, and Cugno with 63. Slovenia`s Fatoumatta Sillah, ranking fourth with 59 offensive points, is the highest-placed player advancing to the eighthfinals in this category.
Blocking Mastery
Ukraine’s Diana Meliushkyna stands out as the premier blocker, recording a total of 15 stuffs, including an incredible 11 kill blocks in a single match against Japan. Mexico’s Jocelyn Urias is second with 13 blocks, while Slovenia’s 20-year-old Nika Milosic and Brazil’s Julia Kudiess are tied for third with 12 kill blocks each.
Serving Aces
Poland’s Martyna Czyrnianska leads the best servers` ranking with 10 aces. France’s Iman Ndiaye is a close second with nine aces, and Milosic again appears in the top three with six.
Setting Precision
Sarah van Aalen from the Netherlands showcased her exceptional setting skills, accumulating 131 successful sets over her three matches. Slovenia’s Eva Pavlovic Mori is second with 126, and Thailand’s Pornpun Guedpard ranks third with 117.
Defensive Grit
Czech libero Daniela Digrinova was a defensive powerhouse, leading the best diggers with 48 digs. French libero Juliette Gelin was a close second with 47, and Thailand’s Piyanut Pannoy took third place with 40 digs.
Reception Efficiency
France’s captain Helena Cazaute demonstrated superior reception, topping this category with 40 successful receptions. This is a nine-point lead over the next two players, Japan’s Mayu Ishikawa and Sweden’s libero Filippa Brink.
Tournament Progression
Players whose teams have advanced to the knockout stages will have further opportunities to enhance their statistics as the championship progresses. The eighthfinal round is scheduled for the next four days, from Friday, August 29, to Monday, September 1, with two matches played daily.
Published: August 28, 2025
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick