July 11, 2026. The Dominican Republic earned a crucial victory on Saturday and secured its place in the 2027 Women’s Volleyball Nations League. Meanwhile, Canada fell to Italy and now has its qualification for the VNL Finals in jeopardy.
Dominican Republic Defeats China
The Dominican Republic defeated China 3-1 (25-22, 21-25, 25-23, 26-24) to secure its place in the 2027 Women’s Volleyball Nations League. Although one matchday remains in the preliminary phase, the Dominicans are now mathematically safe from relegation.
The Caribbean team built its victory around the outstanding performance of captain Brayelin Martínez, who scored 20 points. Yonkaira Peña and Gaila González each added 18 points, while Jineiry Martínez finished with 12. Geraldine González played a key role at the net, recording five blocks.
The team statistics were closely contested. The Dominican Republic held narrow advantages in attacks (62-61) and service aces (4-3), while China led in blocks (12-11).
The Dominican Republic will conclude its 2026 VNL campaign on Sunday, July 12, when it faces Canada at 16:30 local time in China.
Canada Falls to Italy in Five Sets
Canada let a two-set lead slip away and eventually lost to Italy 2-3 (25-22, 29-27, 23-25, 23-25, 5-15), dropping to a 7-4 record. The Canadians now need a victory over the Dominican Republic on Sunday to secure their place in the 2026 Women’s VNL Finals.
Canada currently sits in sixth place, tied in wins and losses with the Netherlands, Poland, and Japan.
In the team statistics, Canada held the edge in attacks (71-66), while Italy led in blocks (14-8). Both teams finished with six aces, but Canada’s 28 unforced errors, compared to Italy’s 20, proved costly.
Five Canadian players reached double figures in scoring. Kiera Van Ryk led the team with 27 points, Nyadholi Thokbuom added 17, Abagayle Guezen contributed 13, while Alexa Gray and team captain Emily Maglio each finished with 11 points.
Canada will face the Dominican Republic on Sunday, July 12, at 16:30 local time in China.
United States Faces Brazil
After already securing its place in the Women’s VNL Finals, the United States will wrap up the preliminary phase against Brazil at 12:00 local time in Japan in what will serve as a final tune-up before the Finals.
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