The Yellow Tigers opened their third VNL week in Hong Kong with a victory. Belgium defeated the Dominican Republic after a thrilling five-set battle: 25-19, 25-20, 14-25, 24-26 and 15-12.

Belgium made an excellent start to the match. Strong serving pressure and a well-organised reception and defence allowed the Yellow Tigers to take control early on. Pauline Martin and Tea Radovic provided the points, while Britt Rampelberg impressed in the backcourt with several excellent saves.

The Dominican Republic closed the gap late in the set, but a number of important blocks from Britt Fransen helped Belgium remain in control. The Yellow Tigers eventually took the opening set 25-19.

The second set also featured several long rallies. The Dominican reception improved, but the Tigers remained composed at the key moments. An ace from Lara Nagels, a kill block from Nathalie Lemmens and another strong serving run from Martin gave Belgium the advantage once again.

An ace from Martin and a clever tip from Demeyer helped Belgium extend its lead. The Yellow Tigers stayed in control and convincingly won the second set 25-20.

After Belgium had taken a 2-0 lead, the match changed direction. The Dominican Republic increased the tempo and took advantage of a series of Belgian errors. Gonzalez made the difference in attack as the Dominicans quickly pulled away and brought themselves back into the match by winning the third set 14-25.

The fourth set remained evenly balanced for a long time. Fransen served Belgium into the lead with two aces, while Janne Deleu provided an extra attacking boost after coming off the bench. The Dominican Republic continued to stay in touch, however.

In a tense finish, both teams had opportunities to close out the set. The Dominicans eventually came out on top at 24-26, forcing a deciding fifth set.

The Dominican Republic again made the better start in the tie-break, but the Yellow Tigers showed plenty of character. Belgium fought its way back and took the lead for the first time midway through the set.

Two consecutive aces from Nagels put the Tigers on course for victory. Radovic earned Belgium its first match point before a Dominican service error brought the match to an end: 15-12.

Pauline Martin finished as Belgium’s top scorer with 22 points. Fransen, with 15 points, and Radovic, with 14, also made important contributions to the victory.

Martin was pleased with the result after the match.

“Our goal this summer is to stay in the VNL, so we try to win every match that can help us achieve that. Beating a direct rival feels like a weight has been lifted from our shoulders. In the fifth set, we had to rediscover the level we showed in the opening two sets, and we managed to do that. We are very happy.”

Head coach Kris Vansnick was also proud of his team.

“I am obviously pleased with the victory, but especially with the courage and character shown by our young players in the fifth set. Matches like these are decided by small details and today they went in our favour.

I think we could also have won the match in four sets, but I am still satisfied. We now need to recover well ahead of the match against Canada. They will again be a strong opponent and will approach the match like a final. We will play without fear and once again try to achieve our objectives.”

Belgium will play its second match of the third VNL week against Canada on Thursday.

Belgium – Dominican Republic: 3-2 (25-19, 25-20, 14-25, 24-26, 15-12)

Belgium: Van Sas (1), Radovic (14), Fransen (15), Martin (22), Demeyer (10), Lemmens (6) and libero Rampelberg.

Also played: Debouck, Nagels (2), Bertels (1) and Deleu (9).