Published: 12:49, June 18, 2022 | Updated: 12:55, June 18, 2022
China fends off Canada in women's VNL
By Xinhua

Team China pose for photos after the FIVB Volleyball Nations League Women's Pool 4 match between China and Canada in Quezon City, the Philippines on June 17, 2022. (ROUELLE UMALI / XINHUA)

MANILA - China's national women's volleyball team defeated Canada 25-16, 18-25, 25-12, 25-18 in Pool 4 of the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Nations League on Friday in Quezon City, the Philippines.

This is the second win for the 2016 Olympic champions in week 2 of the VNL, where they sit second in the 16-team table in the preliminary phase with a 5-1 record.

Outside hitter Li Yingying had a game-high 20 points for China, and Gong Xiangyu contributed 15. Kiera Van Ryk led Canada with 14 points.

Wang Yuanyuan (first, left) of China spikes during the FIVB Volleyball Nations League Women's Pool 4 match between China and Canada in Quezon City, the Philippines on June 17, 2022. (ROUELLE UMALI / XINHUA)

In an earlier match, reigning VNL holders and Tokyo Olympic gold medalists the United States beat Poland in straight sets 25-12, 25-21, 25-16. Alexandra Frantti led the Americans with 18 points.

China, who now ranks third in the latest world rankings, will challenge the United States on Saturday evening.

READ MORE: China wins over Belgium in week 2 of women's VNL

Li Yingying (top, left) of China spikes the ball during the FIVB Volleyball Nations League Women's Pool 4 match between China and Canada in Quezon City, the Philippines on June 17, 2022. (ROUELLE UMALI / XINHUA)

Li said the team is well prepared for the much-anticipated match. "We have to show our self-confidence and power, and go all out to compete with them," Li told Xinhua after Friday's match.

"Tomorrow is also a challenge for me. I hope I can play to my full strength and strive to make more contributions to the team," she added.