LJUBLJANA — Xander Ketrzynski had a game-high 16 points as Canada earned a 3-0 win over the Netherlands on Friday to continue the third week of men's Volleyball Nations League action.
Set scores were 25-22, 25-20, 25-15 as Canada improved to 4-6 in league play and remained 14th in the 18-team standings.
With just one win, the Netherlands were overtaken by Serbia and slipped into last place. The Dutch are now in danger of being relegated from VNL in 2026.
Canada, which was coming off a close loss to Slovenia on Wednesday, led the Dutch in attack points (43-35), blocks (5-1) and service aces (2-0).
Serbia faces Serbia on Saturday and Ukraine on Sunday to wrap up preliminary-round play. The Canadians were two wins and three points behind eighth-place Slovenia heading into the weekend.
The top eight teams move on to the elimination round and the team that finishes last (18th) will be relegated.
"This was a really important win for the team," Canada head coach Dan Lewis said.
“We have two more matches, and we need to maintain our focus and drive. At the beginning of this VNL, we talked a lot about growing and thriving and I’m seeing great things from some of the younger guys."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2025.
The Canadian Press
