Canadian women fall 3-2 to Belgium in Volleyball Nations League

Canada’s women’s volleyball team fell 3-2 (22-25, 25-13, 21-25, 25-22, 18-16) to Belgium in Volleyball Nations League action on Sunday in Istanbul.

The Canadians were ahead 2-1 before Belgium stormed back to win the final two sets.

“It’s a bit upsetting, as I felt we deserved to win when you are 13-9 ahead in a tiebreak,” said Canada’s head coach Giovanni Guidetti. “We have to learn how to close sets. We still have a lot to learn and improve on — we can play good volleyball, but we are not able to finish the set because we are making too many unforced errors at the end of the set.

“But I am proud of the way this team is improving as we are playing with many players that haven’t played with the [senior] national team before or are learning a new role with this team.”

Hilary Johnson led Canada with 21 points, including five blocks. VNL rookie Anna Smrek followed with 19 points, with four blocks and two aces.

WATCH | Canada falls to Belgium:

Belgium takes down Canada in tight match at VNL Nations League Istanbul

Belgium defeats Canada in women’s VNL Nations League action 22-25, 25-13, 21-25, 25-22, 18-16 Sunday at Istanbul, Turkey.

Canada earned more points from blocks (17-10) and aces (6-5). However, Belgium held the advantage in attack points (70-57) and surrendered fewer points to errors (21-26).

It was Belgium’s second straight win, climbing to 13th in the VNL standings at 3-5. Canada (2-6), meanwhile, is 15th.

For a full streaming schedule of volleyball events this season, click here.

WATCH | Full match replay — Canada vs. Belgium:

FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League Istanbul: Belgium vs. Canada

Watch Canada face Belgium in FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League action from Istanbul.

Canada roster

• Jessica Andrews — Guelph, Ont.
• Lucy Borowski — Vancouver
• Abby Guezen — Sherwood Park, Alta.
• Hilary Johnson — Calgary
• Kacey Jost — St. Albert, Alta.
• Emily Maglio — Coquitlam, B.C.
• Andrea Mitrovic — Mississauga, Ont.
• Julia Murmann — Toronto
• Brie O’Reilly — Langley, B.C.
• Quinn Pelland — Wanham, Alta.
• Anna Smrek — Welland, Ont.
• Raya Surinx — Winnipeg
• Nyadholi Thokbuom — Calgary
• Kiera Van Ryk — Surrey, B.C.
• Delaney Watson — St. Jacobs, Ont.
• Jazmine White — Oshawa, Ont.