The Dominican Republic women’s national volleyball team closed its participation in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Sunday with a 3-1 defeat against Canada. The match ended 25-20, 17-25, 25-22, and 25-18, leaving the Caribbean side with a final record of three wins and nine losses.
Despite the setback, the Dominican squad now shifts its attention to the Central American and Caribbean Games, which begin on July 24, where the team will attempt to defend the title it has held since winning gold in Cartagena in 2006.
Canada Claims Eighth Victory
Canada, ranked 10th in the FIVB World Rankings, secured its eighth victory of the Volleyball Nations League after overcoming a determined Dominican team. The Canadians remained among the tournament’s top teams, occupying sixth place in the standings following the win.
The Canadian offense was led by Kiera Van Ryk and Alexa Gray, who each scored 20 points, while Abagayle Guezen added 12.
For the Dominican Republic, Gaila González finished with 16 points, while Flormarie Heredia Colón contributed 14 after coming off the bench. Yonkaira Peña added nine points. Team captain Brayelin Martínez was limited after appearing only in the opening set, finishing with four points.
Canada Controlled the Key Statistics
Canada held the advantage in several major statistical categories, leading the Dominican Republic in attacks 63-47, blocks 11-7, and points scored from opponents’ errors 29-14.
The Canadians captured the opening set behind aggressive serving, effective blocking, and a decisive 5-0 scoring run. The Dominican Republic responded strongly in the second set, limiting Canada to just 17 points with improved blocking and consistent play at the net, highlighted by key contributions from Geraldine González.
Competitive Finish Before Regional Challenge
The third set remained closely contested after the Dominican Republic built an early 6-1 advantage, only to see Canada erase the deficit with a four-point run. Although the Caribbean side narrowed the score to 23-22 late in the set, Canada maintained its composure to move ahead two sets to one.
The fourth set followed a similar pattern, with the Dominican Republic rallying to tie the score at 12-12 before Canada closed the match with a decisive 5-0 run, sealing the victory.
With their Volleyball Nations League schedule complete, the Reinas del Caribe will now return home to prepare for the Central American and Caribbean Games, where they will seek a seventh consecutive gold medal and extend one of the region’s most successful dynasties in women’s volleyball.