Dominican R 3-2 Netherlands, Seals Paris 2024 Spot

On the final day of Pool A in the FIVB Olympic Qualification Tournament in Ningbo, the Dominican Republic secured a pivotal victory against the Netherlands. Entering the match, the Dominican Republic held a record of 5 wins and 15 points from 6 matches, while the Netherlands, having played the same number of games, had 4 wins and 12 points. If the Dominican Republic managed to secure two sets in this match, they would earn the remaining ticket to Paris 2024 in Pool A. Conversely, a 3-0 or 3-1 win from the Netherlands would have propelled the European side to the Olympics.

In a match of significant importance for both teams, the Dominican Republic, fondly known as the Queen of the Caribbeans, clinched the first set with a score of 25-20. However, the Dutch team rallied to claim the second set with the same score, making the race for qualification even tighter. The Dominican Republic claimed victory in the third set, winning 25-19, thus making their Paris dreams come true. Despite their dashed hopes for direct qualification, the Netherlands held on and won the fourth set 25-23. However, the Dominican Republic ultimately emerged victorious in a nail-biting final match, winning the fifth set 15-12.

Post-match, Felix Koslowski, coach of the Netherlands team, praised the Dominican Republic for their experience and recent victories over powerhouses China and Serbia in the VNL 2023 and the FIVB OQT 2023, as well as their win over the USA in the NORCECA Championship. Despite the loss, Koslowski expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and improvement over the summer.

Niverka Marte, captain of the Dominican Republic, was elated after the victorious qualification. She shared that the match was the most challenging qualification tournament she had ever participated in. She expressed pride in her team and gratitude towards the supporters in China. Marte also acknowledged the pressure the Netherlands team put on them during the match.

According to Marte, this Olympic qualification holds significant value for the growth of volleyball in the Dominican Republic. She imagined the excitement of her country’s citizens, despite the match being held at 4 in the morning local time. Marte expressed her gratitude towards her family, fans, and friends for their unwavering support and shared her excitement for the journey ahead.

Paris 2024 will mark the fourth Olympic appearance for the Dominican Republic, following their participation in Athens 2004, London 2012, and Tokyo 2020, where they finished 11th, 8th and 8th respectively.

Full exclusive interview with Niverka Marte:

(Reported by Boris CHUNG Bok Man)