The Queens of the Caribbean defeat Belgium 3-0 in the 2025 Nations League

Istanbul, Turkey. The Queens of the Caribbean, shone again this Thursday after categorically defeating Belgium by 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 27-25), thus achieving their first sweep victory in the current edition of the FIVB Volleyball Nations League.

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With this result, the Quisqueyan team tied their 3-3 record during the second week of the tournament, which is held in Istanbul, the capital of Turkey. The Dominicans were coming off a painful defeat against the hosts and a previous loss to Japan, so this victory restores their confidence at a key moment in the calendar.

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Dominating from the start

The team led by Marcos Kwiek showed its best version from the first set. With a solid defense, impenetrable blocks and an effective game distribution by the setter Ariana Rodríguez, Dominican Republic controlled the first two sets without major opposition. In the first set, a 7-0 rally was crucial to open a definitive gap. Already in the second set, Brayelin Martínez and Yonkaira Peña led an attack that looked dominant and precise. Although in the third set Belgium showed reaction, tying the score on multiple occasions, the Caribbean women resisted the pressure. Yonkaira Peña and Gaila González were in charge of closing the game with powerful attacks, added to a key block at the final point.

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Offensive Leaders of the Triumph

• Brayelin Martínez: 18 points
• Gaila González: 17 points
• Yonkaira Peña: 11 points

By Belgium, Pauline Martin was the top scorer with 10 points, while Britt Herbots contributed 7.

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Next commitment

The Queens of the Caribbean will have a day off this Friday and will return to the court on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. (Dominican time) to face the powerful selection of Brazil, currently number 2 in the world ranking.