Howe lifts Canada's women over reigning world champs in Volleyball Nations League

First Alexa Gray, then Layne Van Buskirk, now Hilary Howe.

The outside hitter from Calgary was the offensive star in Canada's upset five-set victory over reigning world champions Serbia on Sunday to conclude the first leg of women's Volleyball Nations League play.

Howe scored a game-high 24 points in Canada's second straight win in Antalya, Turkey. After opening the tourney with 37 points against Poland, outside hitter Alexa Gray added 23 in Sunday's 18-25, 28-26, 25-23, 18-25, 15-12 verdict.

Van Buskirk, who led the team in scoring for a second straight day in Friday's straight-sets win over Korea, recorded only one point Sunday on a block. She was benched by head coach Shannon Winzer to start the second set.

Canada's next game is June 13 against China when the second leg of competition shifts to Hong Kong.

On Friday, Canada disposed of Korea in straight sets (25-17, 25-16, 25-18) for its first win of the season.

The victory provided a bounceback of sorts for the 15th-ranked squad, which previously dropped matches against Poland (No. 9) and Thailand (No. 14) while winning just a single set in the process.

WATCH | Canada blanks Korea:

Team captain Ana Bjelica and 18-year-old Aleksandra Uzelac had 18 points apiece to lead world No. 4 Serbia, which finished 0-4 in Turkey. Three others had at least 10, including Sara Lozo (16), Maja Aleksic (12) and Mina Popovic (10).

This is the most pivotal VNL campaign for the Canadian women. It's the start of Olympic qualifying season and the squad wants to use the 16-team competition as a springboard to Paris 2024.

The women's finals will be held July 12-16 in Arlington, Texas.

WATCH: Canada's women ready for another memorable run:

The biggest moment for this year's squad is