Herbots beyond the '33': We can still learn every day

Britt Herbots jumped into the history books on Monday, firing off 33 points against the Dominican Republic and leading Belgium to a terrific comeback from two sets down at the 2021 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League in Italy's Adriatic resort of Rimini.

But for plucky little Belgium there's more beyond the high scoring of Herbots.

"Right now we have to be happy and we have to keep pushing and working," said the 21-year-old. "Maybe this is like a start to see 'Ok girls look, we have our first win. Now we keep going and keep winning some more games'."

"We just want to grow through the whole tournament," added Herbots. "We have a really young team and are missing some key players like Kaja Grobelna right now, but this shouldn't be an excuse for us. I think that everybody can show up here at this tournament, even the younger girls or starting six players - everybody can give something to the whole team and I think that's the most important thing that everyone can learn from this tournament. To prepare ourselves really well for the European Championship and just keep growing. We are young, we can still learn every single day."

Herbots has been through the ranks of Belgium's youth and junior national teams before making it to senior level and has been making a name for herself in the Italian League since 2018, competing at the highest possible club level.

"I'm still one of the youngest players. I have a bit more experience, but the most important for me is I have to play my own game. I know it's important for the team and I want to keep pushing everyone. I want to help everyone as much as I can. Of course, it's not always easy. I'm just happy to be on the court and happy to be again with the national team - and then we will see where we can go."