The Dominican Republic women’s team suffered their third defeat earlier today in the preliminary round of the Volleyball Nation’s League in Italy.

They lost to Belgium in an exciting five-set thriller 33-31, 25-19, 20-25, 16-25, 11-15.

Both teams constantly traded points and fought hard to take the first set over 30 points. However, the Caribbean side found the going relatively easier while winning the second set and take a 2-0 lead.

However, Belgium refused to yield and rallied to win the third which gave them confidence going into the fourth set, which they also won despite the efforts of Dom Rep’s outside hitter Ceneida Gonzales and Captain Priscilla Rivera.

Momentum and renewed confidence helped Belgium run out easy winners in the fifth to complete a remarkable comeback. Outside hitter Brit Herbots was the game’s overall best scorer with 33 points including 32 kills and a block.

She also became the first player in this tournament to score over 30 points. For the Dominican Republic, Gonzales led the scoring with 28 points that included 25 kills, two blocks and an ace.

This latest loss means the Dominican Republic are tenth in the standings with just four points from their four matches having previously lost to the USA and Brazil. Canada is the only team they have beaten so far in the tournament.

They will face Korea tomorrow desperately hoping for a reversal of fortune.