Canada's women's volleyball team delivered a stunning performance on Saturday, defeating France 3-1 in front of a North American record crowd of 18,000 fans at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City. The victory marked a historic moment for Canadian volleyball, as the team continues to build momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Record-Breaking Attendance
The match drew the largest crowd ever for a women's volleyball game in North America, surpassing the previous record set in 2024. Fans packed the arena, creating an electric atmosphere that spurred the Canadian team to victory. The previous record was held by a match in the United States.
Match Highlights
Canada won the match 25-22, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18, improving their record in the Volleyball Women's Nations League. Kiera Van Ryk led the team with 17 points, including 14 kills and three blocks. Alexa Gray contributed 15 points, while captain Sarah Chase added 12. France was led by Lucille Gicquel with 20 points.
The Canadian team showed resilience after a loss to the Netherlands earlier in the week, bouncing back with a decisive victory. Head Coach Shannon Winzer praised the team's effort, saying, "The energy from the crowd was incredible. Our players fed off that and executed our game plan perfectly."
Historic Context
This victory is part of a broader resurgence for Canadian women's volleyball, which has seen increased investment and interest in recent years. The team is preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, and this performance signals their readiness to compete on the global stage.
The match also highlighted the growing popularity of volleyball in Canada, with record attendance and widespread media coverage. The event was part of a multi-city tour that includes stops in Ottawa and Vancouver.
Player Reactions
Van Ryk, who was named player of the match, said, "This is a dream come true. To play in front of so many fans and win for them is incredible. We're building something special here." Gray added, "The support from Quebec City has been amazing. We felt the love and wanted to give them a show."
The Canadian team will now prepare for their next match against Brazil, scheduled for Tuesday in Quebec City. Fans are expected to turn out in large numbers again, as the team looks to continue their winning streak.
