BEIJING - Teenage setter Zhang Zixuan delivered a strong performance in her debut with the senior national team, leading China to a 3-0 sweep of Belgium in their opening match at the 2025 Volleyball Nations League preliminaries on Wednesday.

Zhang, who led China to the title at the FIVB Volleyball Girls' U17 World Championship in 2024, was a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup by head coach Zhao Yong. The 16-year-old orchestrated the offense effectively, with four Chinese spikers scoring in double digits in the 25-18, 27-25, 25-13 win.

"I was a little bit nervous at first, but the home fans' enthusiasm inspired me and helped me get myself into the game very soon," said Zhang with a smile. "The coach did not give me any pressure, he told me to focus on my game."

China squandered a 15-7 lead in the second set, allowing Belgium to draw level at 20-all and then 25-all. But Zhang set up Wang Yuanyuan for a quick attack to regain momentum, and China closed out the set with a double block against Belgian captain Britt Herbots, who finished with 10 points.

"When I had ups and downs in the second set, the elder sisters encouraged me and helped me calm down again," Zhang added.

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As one of the youngest starters in the Chinese women's national team history, Zhang expressed determination to continue improving.

"I could have set the ball better on some occasions, and I need to improve my blocking and defense. Hopefully, I can play better and better," she said.

"Zhang is very young and talented," said Wang Yuanyuan, who scored 11 points on nine spikes and two blocks. "I was trying to help her with my experience, hopefully we can improve ourselves together."

China will face Poland in their second match on Thursday.