USA outplay Canada in North American showdown in Nancy USA outplay Canada in North American showdown in Nancy

In the all-North American showdown at the 2024 WPV Women’s Super 6, the United States secured a 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-16) win over Canada at Parc des Sports de Vandoeuvre in Nancy, France, on Saturday.

Canada started the match with intensity, establishing an early lead at 6-3 courtesy of Danielle Ellis’ effective serving, which put significant pressure on the USA defence. However, USA soon found their rhythm, with Tia Edwards showcasing exceptional net defence. A strong spike from Monique Matthews tied the score at 10-10, shifting the momentum in favour of USA. Edwards continued to be a pivotal player, helping her team take a narrow lead at 13-11.

Canada fought back to reclaim the lead at 15-14 through an off-the-block hit by Felicia Shanaaz Voss-Shafiq. Despite their efforts, Canada struggled to maintain consistency, allowing the USA to edge ahead. The Americans capitalised on their attacks, and Matthews’s powerful serving helped widen the gap. A series of errors from Canada, including an attack that went out of bounds, handed the USA the first set 25-20.

The second set began with both teams exchanging points, but USA soon took control. Heather Erickson’s decisive swing secured a 5-3 lead for the USA, and a subsequent block extended the advantage to 7-3. Kaleo Kanahele’s ace increased the margin to 9-3, prompting a substitution that brought Katelyn Wright onto the court for Canada. Despite managing to score a few points, including an ace from Sarah Melenka, Canada could not match USA’s offensive momentum.

Whitney Dosty had strong presence at the net for USA, deflecting attacks and contributing to an 18-10 lead. The USA’s strong frontline defence continued to stifle the Canadian attackers, further widening the lead. The set concluded with an attack error from Ellis, giving USA a 2-0 set advantage with a 25-16 win.

Canada displayed a stronger start in the third set, briefly holding a 6-4 lead. However, USA quickly equalised at 7-all off a powerful attack by Erickson. From there, the USA maintained their lead and initiated a strong run, spearheaded by Matthews’s spikes. USA’s control was apparent as they built a substantial 19-14 edge. A 6-2 run in the closing stages of the set sealed the match for the USA, with another 25-16 set victory.