Team USA carried its opening-week momentum into a dominant straight-set victory over the Dominican Republic, 25-20, 25-19, 25-12, to open Week 2 of the 2026 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Opposite hitter Jordan Thompson led the charge for the World No. 7 Americans, highlighted by a booming ace that stretched their advantage to 9-3 in the third set immediately after the Dominican Republic called a timeout.
Dana Rettke then took over, scoring on a block against Alondra Tapia. Then she added a spike to help build a commanding 21-9 lead, putting the match well beyond reach for the Quisqueyanas.
Stephany Samedy sealed the victory in just over 70 minutes, giving the United States its seventh consecutive set win after overcoming France in a five-set battle during Week 1 in Quebec, Canada.
“We knew that the Dominican Republic was gonna be a really strong team, so we had to prepare. I think we’re familiar with most of these players, so it’s practicing, training, and just trying to gel as a group, since it’s a new roster this week,” said Thompson, a two-time Olympian.
The Americans broke away in the opening set with a decisive 7-2 run from a 10-all deadlock, with Thompson contributing two kills during the surge.
Samedy later delivered a spike that extended the lead to 22-15, helping the United States secure the first set and take a 1-0 match advantage.
Balanced scoring continued to fuel the American attack in the second frame as they opened a comfortable 19-10 cushion. Thompson and Logan Eggleston spearheaded the offense, combining for nearly double-digit outputs at that point.
The Dominican Republic struggled to find rhythm offensively and was plagued by errors. Consecutive attacks from Geraldine Gonzalez and Katriel Alonzo briefly sparked a response, but the Caribbean side remained unable to close the gap and eventually fell into a daunting two-set deficit.
Thompson finished with a match-high 12 points, built on 10 attacks and two aces, while also contributing 10 digs.
Eggleston and Rettke added 10 points apiece. Libero Morgan Hentz was flawless in reception, converting all nine of her passing attempts.
The United States will look to extend its winning streak to four matches when it faces Czechia on Thursday at 4:00 PM.
No player from the Dominican Republic reached double figures in scoring. Yonkaira Peña Isabel led her team with eight points on seven attacks and one ace.
Tapia provided a spark off the bench and scored all three of her points in the third set, but her efforts were not enough to prevent the Dominican Republic from suffering its fifth straight loss to open the season.
Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic will try to snap its skid when it takes on Serbia on Thursday at 4:00 PM.
