Las Reinas del Caribe make their debut this Sunday against Costa Rica at the start of the women’s volleyball tournament of the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, facing the immediate challenge of defending a winning streak that already spans six consecutive crowns. The match is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at the Ricardo Gioriber Arias Volleyball Palace.
The announcement was confirmed by coach Marcos Kwiek, who reported that the 12 players making up the national team have been finalized. The roster includes Niverka Marte and Camila de la Rosa as setters; Gaila González and Alondra Tapia as opposites; Brayelin Martínez, Yonkaira Peña, and Flormarie Heredia Colón as outside hitters; Brenda Castillo and Yaneiris Rodríguez as liberos; and Jineirys Martínez, Cándida Arias, and Geraldine González as middle blockers.
Kwiek highlighted that the group arrives in good physical condition following intense preparation over the past few weeks. He also underscored the team’s internal atmosphere, describing it as motivated by the opportunity to compete at home and in front of their fans.
Las Reinas del Caribe and a dominant history
The Dominican national team will seek its seventh consecutive gold medal at the regional event. The winning streak began in San Salvador 2002, followed by Cartagena 2006, Mayagüez 2010, Veracruz 2014, Barranquilla 2018, and San Salvador 2023, always maintaining dominance over their regional rivals.
This journey has solidified the Dominican Republic as the benchmark for women’s volleyball in the Caribbean and Central America. In this edition, the home-court factor adds pressure, but also a competitive advantage due to the expected support at the Volleyball Palace.
The game plan for Las Reinas del Caribe
The Brazilian coach explained that the team has placed strong emphasis on defense, offensive speed, and collective coordination—three elements that have historically distinguished the Dominican squad. Furthermore, he assured that there are no major injuries within the roster.
“The most important thing is that everyone is in good health. We have been able to train with intensity, work on tactical and physical aspects, and the atmosphere within the group has been extraordinary,” Kwiek noted.
The coach also admitted that all opponents arrive with the intention of defeating the champion, but insisted that Las Reinas del Caribe maintain their goal of sustaining regional dominance and opening the tournament with authority against Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, first test at home
The matchup against Costa Rica will be the first competitive test for a team that typically bears the favorite tag in these types of events. The group stage will chart the course of a competition where the Dominican Republic starts as a natural candidate for gold.
In Santo Domingo, Las Reinas del Caribe will not only play for an initial victory: they will seek to confirm that they remain the team to beat in the region and uphold one of the most consistent stories in Dominican sports.
With a foundation of experience, talent, and coaching continuity, Las Reinas del Caribe will attempt to begin their title defense with the same stamp that has accompanied them for over two decades: control, fast-paced offense, and maximum pressure on Costa Rica.
