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Canada loses to Turkiye in VNL women’s quarterfinals, finishes tournament in sixth

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Volleyball Nations League (VNL) balls are shown as Canada competes with Germany in Ottawa, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

MACAO — Canada’s run at the 2026 Volleyball Nations League ended Thursday with a 3-1 quarterfinal loss to Turkiye.

Set scores were 22-25, 25-21, 25-21 and 25-17.

Canada led in attack points but fell behind Turkiye in blocks, aces, and points from opponent errors.

Kiera Van Ryk of Surrey, B.C., and Turkiye’s Melissa Vargas each had a game-high 27 points.

Canada finished sixth overall in the tournament after advancing to the VNL Finals for the first time.

Turkiye won the 2023 VNL and reached the 2024 Olympic semifinals.

Canada now shifts focus to the NORCECA Women’s Volleyball Championship Aug. 21-29 in the Dominican Republic, where Olympic qualification is at stake.