The USA women`s volleyball team secured a decisive victory over Canada in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship in Bangkok. Demonstrating their status as favorites, the American squad swept their North American rivals in straight sets, earning their place in the quarterfinal stage of the competition. Their opponent for Thursday`s quarterfinal match will be determined by the winner of the Turkiye vs. Slovenia game.
USA sealed their 3-0 victory (25-18, 25-21, 25-21) when substitute opposite Stephanie Samedy delivered a crucial block-out kill for the winning point.
Match Dominance and Key Performers
The Americans showcased superior performance in net defense, outplaying Canada with 11 kill blocks to 6, and in offense, with 42 successful swings compared to Canada`s 38. They also capitalized on their opponents` unforced errors, with Canada committing 19 to USA`s 12. Outside hitters Avery Skinner and Sarah Franklin shared the top scorer honors for the USA, each contributing 13 points. Franklin also excelled in blocking, registering three stuffs. Opposite Madisen Skinner added another 12 points to the USA`s tally.
“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,” Franklin told VBTV. “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`s Performance and Reflections
Canada managed to outperform their rivals in one scoring element: serving, recording 4 aces to USA`s 3. Twenty-one-year-old opposite Anna Smrek emerged as Canada`s leading scorer with a total of 12 points, including one ace and three kill blocks.
“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,” Smrek commented after the game. “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 
Finley Blackwood