The Volleyball Nations League 2025 lit up Ottawa with world-class action, and Japan proved they are here for top result.
Japan claimed their third straight 3-0 victory, this time silencing a roaring Canadian home crowd. The silver medalists from last year held strong, brushing aside the host team with precision and power. With this win, Japan now reigns atop the standings with Poland, clocking a perfect nine points.
The star of the show? Yukiko Wada. She delivered an electric performance with 20 points, showing relentless energy and calm under pressure. Team captain Mayu Ishikawa backed her up with 9 points, 7 from attack and two aces.
“We expected a challenge, and Canada delivered in that first set,” Wada said post-match. “But we adjusted, attacked, and found our rhythm.”
Despite Canada’s defensive wall tallying eight blocks, 30 costly errors and Japan’s fierce offense turned the tide.
The excitement didn’t stop there. In another thriller, Bulgaria staged a dramatic five-set win over world champions Serbia. Mikaela Stoyanova led the charge with 18 points, while Elitsa Atanasijević added firepower to secure their second tournament win.
- BRA W: Ana Cristina Suffers Knee Injury, Out of VNL Japan Stage
- VNL W: Italy Sweep Serbia, Stay Unbeaten in VNL – Dutch Beat Belgium to Keep Finals Hope Alive
- ITA M: Bulgarian Talent Zhasmin Velichkov Joins MINT Vero Volley Monza
- VNL W: Japan Sweeps Korea, Brazil Outlasts France
- VNL W: Türkiye Books 2025 VNL Finals Spot with Dominant Win Over Netherlands
