Belgium qualified for the semi-finals of the Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup on Thursday by beating the Czech Republic in straight sets (25-18, 25-23, 25-15 ) in the quarter-finals.
Britt Herbots scored 23 points while Marlies Janssens contributed 13. Belgium’s team further included Nathalie Lemmens (8 points), Silke Van Avermaet (7), Jodie Guilliams (5), Jutta Van De Vyver (1), Elise Van Sas, Celine Van Gestel, Nel Demeyer, Pauline Martin, Charlotte Krenicky, Britt Rampelberg, Manon Stragier and Anna Koulberg.
The eight-country knockout tournament is being played in Zadar, Croatia.
Gert Vande Broek’s Yellow Tigers will come up on Saturday against the winners of the Friday’s quarter-final tussle between Colombia and France.
Thursday’s other quarter-final saw Croatia beat Kazakhstan 3-0. The Croatians will play in the semis against the Puerto Rican squad, which drew a bye after Cameroon’s team was unable to travel to Zadar due to visa problems.
This third edition of the Challenger Cup returns to the international calendar after two off seasons due to the health crisis. Belgium is competing for the first time after taking 15th place in the Nations League, synonymous with relegation to the Challenger Cup.
The winner of this tournament earns a place in the Nations League in 2023.
