The culmination of the Volleyball Nations League 2025 Preliminary Phase for the women`s competition arrives this week, with crucial matches determining the final lineup for the Finals set to be held in Łódź, Poland, from July 23-27. While hosts Poland are already assured a spot, the remaining seven berths are fiercely contested, making every point vital.
In Arlington, Texas, the College Park Center serves as a focal point for six national teams – hosts United States, China, Germany, the Dominican Republic, Canada, and Thailand – all navigating the pressures of qualification or, for some, the looming threat of relegation.
With the top seven teams from the Preliminary Phase joining hosts Poland in the Finals, the current standings highlight the high stakes in Arlington. China sits comfortably in sixth place with five victories (15 points), having shown improved form in recent weeks. Their campaign has featured notable performances from young setter Zhang Zixuan, who leads players in her position with 236 successful actions, outside hitter Wu Mengjie, the team`s leading scorer with 147 points, and experienced middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan, ranked third in the VNL for blocks with 22. As team captain Gong Xiangyu noted, the team`s energy and persistence, even when trailing, have been key.
Just behind China, Germany occupies the crucial seventh spot with four victories (14 points). Their journey through the VNL has seen a mix of results, splitting their wins equally across the first two weeks. Captain Camilla Weitzel has been a standout performer, ranking second in block points (22) and fourth in aces (11). Outside hitter Lina Aslmeier is tied for second in passes with 62. Libero Anna Pogany reflected on the team`s potential, emphasizing the need for greater consistency to compete at the highest level and overcome strong opponents. One might observe that their “ups and downs” have provided ample opportunities for reflection.
Hosts United States are currently in eighth place with four victories (11 points), finding themselves needing a strong performance on home soil to secure a Finals berth via ranking. Their initial week with a young roster yielded just one win, but the inclusion of veterans in the second week significantly boosted their performance. For the Arlington leg, the team welcomes back Olympic medalist outside hitter Avery Skinner and middle blocker Asija O`Neal. Sarah Franklin leads the scoring with 98 points, while middle blocker Amber Igiede is tied for sixth in blocks (19). Olympic champion setter Jordyn Poulter expressed the special feeling of competing for the country, especially in front of a home crowd, viewing it as a chance to unite and inspire.
Within striking distance are the Dominican Republic, currently tenth with four victories (nine points). They secured two wins in each of their first two weeks. Outside hitter Brayelin Martínez is a primary offensive force, ranking fourth in VNL scoring with 144 points and also fifth in blocks (20). Defensive specialist Yaneirys Rodriguez ranks third in the tournament for digs with 86. Martínez highlighted the team`s youth this year, stressing the importance of staying united, continuous improvement, and patience – qualities often tested in the VNL crucible.
Further down the standings, Canada (15th, two victories, six points) and Thailand (16th, one victory, five points) face a more challenging path to the Finals. While qualification remains mathematically possible with exceptional results, their immediate focus includes avoiding the bottom of the standings, which entails relegation from the VNL. Canada started promisingly at home but struggled in the second week, suffering the particular heartbreak of losing “a pair of five-setters”. Opposite Kiera Van Ryk remains a significant threat, leading the VNL in aces (15) and being the team`s top scorer (89 points). Outside hitter Hilary Johnson mentioned the team`s work on “upgrades” to show something different this week. Thailand is looking to build on their single win, with Opposite Pimpichaya Kokram leading their offense (105 points) and setter Pornpun Guedpard being a key playmaker (sixth in setter actions with 187). Pimpichaya noted that the previous week highlighted areas for improvement and expressed a desire for the team to play together and enjoy the process this week, which, one presumes, is easier said than done when battling relegation.
For several teams in Arlington, this week represents the final opportunity to make a move up the standings. China and Germany aim to solidify their places, while the United States and Dominican Republic are in direct contention to break into the top seven. Canada and Thailand face the dual challenge of seeking upsets for a slim qualification chance while primarily battling to avoid finishing last and facing relegation from the VNL.
Arlington Match Schedule Overview
The competition at the College Park Center runs from Wednesday through Sunday, featuring a packed schedule:
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Wednesday:
- Germany vs. Canada (12:30 local time)
- Dominican Republic vs. China (16:00 local)
- Thailand vs. USA (19:30 local)
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Thursday:
- Thailand vs. Germany (16:00 local)
- Dominican Republic vs. USA (19:30 local)
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Friday:
- Thailand vs. Dominican Republic (16:00 local)
- Canada vs. China (19:30 local)
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Saturday:
- Germany vs. China (16:00 local)
- Canada vs. USA (19:30 local)
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Sunday:
- Germany vs. Dominican Republic (11:30 local)
- Thailand vs. Canada (15:00 local)
- China vs. USA (19:00 local)
Simultaneously, other VNL pools are concluding in Apeldoorn, Netherlands (hosts Netherlands, Belgium, Czechia, Italy, Serbia, Türkiye) and Chiba, Japan (hosts Japan, Brazil, Bulgaria, France, Korea, Poland), adding further layers to the global qualification picture.
As the VNL 2025 Preliminary Phase draws to a close, the matches in Arlington promise high drama and decisive outcomes, shaping the field for the championship Finals in Poland. Every serve, dig, and block counts in this final push for continental glory… or just survival in the league.
