Belgium outlasted Poland. 25-20, 15-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-13, to earn its first win in the Quezon City leg of the Volleyball Nations League Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Raising its record to 2-5 overall, Belgium kept its hopes alive of making it to next month’s Finals in Ankara and more importantly, avoid relegation.
Along with hosts Turkey, the top seven teams after the 16-team, three-week long preliminary stage will advance to the July 13-17 finale.
Britt Herbotts put up a show with 33 points, all from spikes, for Belgium.
“I know it’s my role in the team so I know I get a lot of balls and important to score of course. The most important thing is we really played as a team,” said Herbotts. “It was really a tough fight and I’m happy with the two points.”
The five-set win gave Belgium only two points, but it does not matter as it tries to get as many victories as it can heading into the crucial stage of the VNL.
“It is really important because it is a really tough week. Mentally, physically, there are a lot of games. After a win, it is easier to be back with a smile. It was a boost for our team,” said Herbotts.
The last-placed team in the VNL will play in the Challenger Cup which will be held in Zadar, Croatia on July 28-31.
Belgium, which will face Bulgaria at 11 a.m. Sunday, hopes to march on despite all the tremendous odds it encountered before the start of the tournament.
“The most important thing is staying in the VNL. Top eight is maybe difficult for this season because we brought some new players in the team, find new stuff. We are working really hard, we are fighting really hard. It has not been easy until now. Let’s hope for more points tomorrow,” said Herbotts.
“We are not thinking about top eight. We are really thinking of staying in the VNL now. We love this tournament. It’s really high-level performance tournament. The most important thing is fighting, stay in here and to be also here next season,” the outside hitter said.