Chinese players celebrate during the FIVB Volleyball Nations League Women's game against Canada in Quezon City, the Philippines, June 17, 2022. /Xinhua
China's national women's volleyball team secured a second consecutive win at the FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) by defeating Canada 25-16, 18-25, 25-12, 25-18 in Quezon City, the Philippines on Friday.
China, the 2016 Olympic champions, sit second in the 16-team table behind Japan in the preliminary phase with a 5-1 record.
Outside hitter Li Yingying had a game-high 20 points for China, and Gong Xiangyu contributed 15. Kiera Van Ryk led Canada with 14 points.
Li Yingying (L) of China spikes the ball during the FIVB Volleyball Nations League Women's game against Canada in Quezon City, the Philippines, June 17, 2022. /Xinhua
China, third in the latest world rankings, will challenge world No. 1 Team USA on Saturday evening local time.
Li said the team is well prepared for the much-anticipated match. "We have to show our self-confidence and power, and go all out to compete with them," she said.
"Tomorrow is also a challenge for me. I hope I can play to my full strength and strive to make more contributions to the team."
In an earlier match, reigning VNL holders and Tokyo Olympic gold medalists the United States sealed an easy victory over Poland in straight sets 25-12, 25-21, 25-16.
Alexandra Frantti led the Americans with 18 points while Martyna Czyrnianska contributed 12 for Poland.
The U.S. needed just an hour to win in three straight sets.
China will clash against top-ranked Japan, who are unbeaten, on Sunday.
(With input from Xinhua)