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One more great play, or one less miscue: That’s how close Canada’s women’s squad came to being on the winning side of a thrilling Volleyball Nations League showdown with the host Americans on Saturday night in Texas.
The Canadians lost the opening set of the best-of-five match at College Park Center in Arlington 26-24, before reeling off 25-23 and 25-20 wins to take a 2-1 lead. The host U.S. squad forced a fifth and deciding game with a 25-21 win in the fourth set.
In the tiebreaker, the U.S. prevailed 19-17.
WATCH l Canada falls short against U.S. in Texas:
Canada fell just short of upsetting USA Saturday as the Americans claimed the win 26-24, 23-25, 20-25, 25-21, 19-17 at the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League action from Arlington, Texas.
Hilary Howe Johnson was Canada’s top scorer with 29 points, while Anna Smrek chipped in with 13.
The loss leaves Canada in 16th place in the 18-team round robin phase, ahead of only South Korea and Thailand. Canada will play Thailand on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET.
Watch live coverage of Canada’s match against Thailand on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem. For a full streaming schedule of volleyball events this season, click here.
The Americans, led by Avery Skinner’s 21 points and Madisen Skinner’s 19, started the day seventh overall.
The U.S. will play China on Sunday.
WATCH | Full match replay — Canada vs. United States:
Watch Canada take on U.S. at the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League from Arlington, Texas.