The Canadian women’s volleyball team fell short in its comeback bid in a 3-1 defeat to Serbia in Volleyball Nations League preliminary round action on Friday in Calgary.
After dropping the first two sets 25-20 and 25-14, the hosts bounced back by taking the third set 25-20. Canada kept putting up a challenge to World No. 7 Serbia, but the visiting side managed to close out the fourth set at 25-22 with three consecutive points.
Kiera Van Ryk of Surrey, B.C., had 19 points to lead Canada (4-6), ranked 15th in the world. Playing in her hometown, Emily Maglio came right behind with 16.
Serbia’s (7-4) captain Ana Bjelica posted game-high 24 points.
“After the 2-0, I think we were too calm,” said Serbia’s Jovana Stevanovic, who had seven points, in a post-match interview.
“They used our moment and there was panic inside our team. But I’m so proud of our team that we won 3-1, because it was so important [in our push to make it] to the final 8.”
The Canadian squad sits ninth in the 16-team standings led by the U.S. (9-1) with a realistic chance to qualify for the final round.
The seven best-ranked sides and host nation Turkey, currently sixth in the table, will qualify to the finals, which will take place from July 13 to 17.
Eight-place Thailand (5-5) will face powerhouses Brazil (9-2) and Italy (8-2) in its last two games.
Canada will get back on court on Saturday to face Germany (3-7) at 10 p.m. before wrapping up preliminary round play with a game against the Netherlands (3-8) at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Both games will be available to stream via CBCsports.ca, the CBC Sports app and CBC Gem.
WATCH l FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League: Canada vs Serbia:
FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League: Canada vs Serbia
Serbia faces Canada in Women’s volleyball action from Calgary, AB.