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USA Wins; Canada and Dominican Republic
Fall in Week 2 VNL Opener
June 18, 2025. The United States kicked off the second week of the
Womens Volleyball Nations League (VNL) with a valuable victory over
host Serbia in Belgrade. Meanwhile, in Istanbul, the Dominican
Republic put up a strong fight but fell in straight sets to Türkiye,
while Canada played a thrilling match that ended in a five-set loss
to Korea.
USA Defeats Serbia in Belgrade
The United States spoiled Serbias opening match in front of 5,800
fans, mostly cheering for the home team, with a 3-2 win (25-22,
25-20, 22-25, 22-25, 15-11) at Belgrade Arena.
It was a standout night for Madisen Skinner, who led USAs offense
with a dominant 32-point performance (30 attacks and 2 blocks).
Sarah Franklin contributed 20 points (18 attacks and 2 blocks).
The Americans led in attacks (65-61) and blocks (10-9). Both teams
recorded 5 service aces.
Canada Nearly Pulls Off Dramatic Comeback
Canada played a thrilling match against Korea to kick off their
second week of Womens VNL action, narrowly losing in five sets, 2-3
(25-27, 18-25, 25-15, 25-20, 13-15), in Istanbul.
After dropping the first two sets, the Canadians showed strength and
determination, rallying to tie the match at 2-2 and force a
tiebreak. However, despite a strong collective effort, Korea edged
out Canada in the final moments of the deciding set.
Canada stood out with an excellent performance at the net, tallying
13 direct blocks, nine of them shared between key players Emily
Maglio (5 blocks, 13 total points) and Anna Smrek (16 points
including 4 blocks). The team also outserved Korea, 6-4.
The offense was led by 19-year-old Abagayle Guezen, who scored 17
points, all from attacks. The Canadian squad showed strong
competitive spirit and signs of tactical improvement in both defense
and blocking.
Despite the loss, Canadas performance leaves a positive impression
and reflects their ongoing development as a team. They will look to
build on this momentum in their upcoming matches in the regular
phase of the VNL.
Dominican Republic Nearly Spoils Türkiyes Home Debut
In front of over 14,000 spectators at the Sinan Erdem Dome in
Istanbul, the Dominican Republic came close to spoiling Türkiyes
home opener. Although the final score was a 0-3 loss, the Caribbean
team fought valiantly, particularly in the first and third sets,
which they nearly claimed. Set scores were 25-27, 19-25, and 26-28
in favor of the hosts.
Türkiye held slight advantages in attacks (44-39), blocks (7-6), and
service aces (6-2), but the world No. 3 team had to battle for every
point to secure the win.
The Dominican offense was powered by key hitters, with Gaila
González scoring 19 points and Brayelin Martínez adding 11.
Thursday, June 19 Schedule
In Istanbul, the Dominican Republic will face Belgium at 4:00 p.m.
local time, while Canada takes on hosts Türkiye at 7:30 p.m. (both
local time. In Serbia, the United States will meet Poland at 4:30
p.m. local time. | 
