VNL brings world's best volleyball players to Tsuut'ina Nation
The national women's volleyball teams of eight countries, including Canada and the defending Olympic champions from the U.S., have arrived in Calgary and are set to compete in the final phase pool of the Volleyball Nations League.
The 7 Chiefs Sportsplex on the Tsuut'ina Nation will be hosting half of the league's 16 teams, with the remaining eight competing in Sofia, Bulgaria, during the third and final week of pool play.
Serbia will phase Germany in the opening match Tuesday afternoon, with a full slate of games scheduled for each day through Sunday.
In addition to Canada (ranked 11th, 3-5 record, 9 points), who could potentially face relegation with a poor showing during this final leg of pool play, the teams competing this weekend include:
- 1. Japan (8-0, 23 pts), the only undefeated team in pool play;
- 2. USA (7-1, 21 pts), the defending Olympic champions and three-time VNL title-holders;
- 5. Turkey (5-3, 16 pts);
- 7. Serbia (5-3, 14 pts) the defending world champions;
- 12. Belgium (3-5, 6 pts);
- 13. Germany (2-6, 8 pts); and
- 15. Netherlands (1-7, 6 pts).
The Canadian side will play Turkey (Tues. June 28 at 8 p.m.), Serbia (Canada Day at 8 p.m.), Germany (Sat. July 2 at 8 p.m.) and Netherlands (Sun. July 3 at 5 p.m.)
Canada's roster includes two Calgarians, Hillary Howe and Alexa Gray, who are excited to play in front of their hometown crowd.
"I know there is a big volleyball community here in Calgary and I’m hoping they are able to come out to watch a few games and see what this sport looks like at the highest level," said Gray, who first took to the game as a youth in the Calgary area, in a statement released on Saturday.
"It's very exciting to watch and be a part of. We will be playing against some the best players in the world, and we will need our home court advantage at every game! We have made big steps as a program the last few years, so we are looking forward to showing that off during these games."
The complete schedule, roster and updated match results are available at Volleyball Nations League.
Fans can purchase tickets for all four of an individual country's matches, passes for all games on any specific day or tournament passes. Ticket information is available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.