The United States women`s volleyball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship after defeating North American rivals Canada in straight sets. They are now set to face either Turkiye or Slovenia in their next match.
USA celebrate a point against Canada
On Monday, the favored USA team delivered a convincing performance against Canada in Bangkok, sweeping their eighthfinal match at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship. This decisive victory propels them into the quarterfinal stage, where their opponent will be determined by the outcome of the Turkiye versus Slovenia match later the same day.
The United States clinched their 3-0 victory (25-18, 25-21, 25-21) against Canada with a crucial block-out kill by substitute opposite Stephanie Samedy.
Throughout the match, the Americans showcased superior net defense, outscoring Canada 11-6 in kill blocks. Their offense also proved more potent, with 42 successful swings compared to Canada`s 38. Furthermore, USA minimized errors, committing only 12 unforced errors while Canada made 19. Outside hitters Avery Skinner and Sarah Franklin were the top scorers for USA, each contributing 13 points. Franklin also excelled defensively with three blocks. Opposite Madisen Skinner added another 12 points to the tally.
Reflecting on the team`s performance, Sarah Franklin shared: “We are feeling really good. We are trying to get to the gym every day and just work to be better and better, and that’s going to show in the game. It’s super exciting for us and we are continuing to push that. All the older girls kind of took us all in and showed us the ropes. So, all of us younger girls, we are ready to learn, we are ready to do whatever needs to be done for us. We are all super excited to continue to compete. And having the USA jersey on is always an honor and it is what pushes us to do better and better.”
Canada found their only statistical advantage in serving, with 4 aces to USA`s 3. Despite the loss, 21-year-old opposite Anna Smrek was Canada`s leading scorer, tallying 12 points, including one ace and three kill blocks.
Anna Smrek commented on their journey: “I think this entire summer was a big part about learning and growing, and trying to just grow our skill set. A lot of us are new to this whole experience – VNL, World Championship. I think in terms of the long-term goals over the summer, to get to the round of 16 is great. Obviously, we fell short, but kudos to the USA – they fought hard – so, we will exit with our head held high. I think we started competing for it a little bit late, especially in sets, we let them get ahead of us and then we were playing catch-up. We had our chances against the USA in the VNL. We wanted it, but again, we did not start competing until later on. So, we just need to get at it from the jump, and I think it could be a really good match-up.”
Oliver Wrenwick 
Jasper Thornfield