Dominican Republic defeats Serbia 3-1 in VNL debut

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, May 15, 2024.- The Dominican Republic Women's Volleyball Team, known as "Las Reinas del Caribe," got off to a good start in their Volleyball Nations League debut by defeating the reigning world champion Serbia 3-1 (25-18, 25-17, 21-25, 25-20) in a Pool 2 clash.

On Thursday, the Dominican team will face Canada in their second VNL match at eight in the evening (Dominican time).

Volleyball Nations League 2024: schedule and results

This is the second consecutive victory for Las Reinas del Caribe against Serbia, as they also defeated them  last September in the Pre-Olympic Tournament held in China, where the Caribbean team secured their fourth ticket to the Paris Olympic Games. Serbia's main player, Tijana Boskovic, did not play.

The victory over a higher-ranked opponent earned the Dominicans 9.86 points in the FIVB World Rankings and made them regain eighth place from Japan. Serbia dropped the same amount of points, but remained in fourth place.

Dominican Republic scored 56 attacks, while Serbia managed 38. Serbia led in blocks 14-12 and in serves 4-3.

Dominican Yonkaira Peña topped all scorers with 18 points (16 kills, one block, one ace), one more than fellow outside hitter Brayelin Martínez and opposite Gaila Gonzalez.

Opposite Ana Bjelica led Serbia's offense with 15 points (12 kills, two blocks, one ace).