Serbia finally ended its string of heartbreaking losses, sweeping the Dominican Republic, 25–19, 25–23, 25–18, for its second win of the 2026 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, Friday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
In a matchup between two teams still searching for consistent form this season, it was the Europeans who imposed their will, executing their game plan cleanly to secure the straight-sets victory.
Anja Zubić and Branka Tica anchored Serbia’s offense and passing, powering the close of the third set — an area where the Serbians had struggled in their previous four matches.
The Dominican Republic tried to stay within striking distance in the middle of the third frame. However, setter Sladjana Mirković repeatedly found her attackers, including Zubčić, who delivered the match-sealing kill.
At last, after four straight losses — three of which came in five-set heartbreaks — Serbia finally broke through, and did so in convincing fashion via a sweep.
Zubčić led the way with 16 points built on 13 attacks, two blocks, and one service ace, while Nina Ćajić added 13 markers, continuing her steady form from the previous outing.
“I think we did what our game plan was, which was to do the little things. And I think we did them right sometimes, [but] sometimes we didn’t. It was the right match for us to work on certain things, and I’m happy it was a victory,” said the 24-year-old Ćajić on how her side approached the must-win game.
Serbia raced to an early lead in the first set, going up by as many as eight points behind the scoring of Zubić and Tica.
Yonkaira Peña Isabel kept the Dominican Republic within reach, but errors down the stretch sent them into a 0–1 hole.
The Europeans carried that momentum into a tighter second set, with their wing spikers continuing to land crucial kills.
Tica delivered back-to-back points for a 12–9 lead, which eventually grew into a 24–21 cushion. The Caribbeans fought back to within one, but Ćajić closed the set with a kill after nearly 30 minutes of play.
Serbia’s defense proved decisive in finally snapping the losing streak, with Ćajić and Zubić combining for 17 digs.
It was, however, the steady orchestration of Mirković — who finished with 11 digs and 26 excellent sets — that made the difference against the Dominican Republic.
Serbia (2–5) will look to close the week with back-to-back wins when it faces the United States on Sunday at 12:00 NN.
For the Dominican Republic, Geraldine González led the way with 11 points on six attacks and five blocks. The Martínez sisters, Jineiry and Brayelin, chipped in 10 and eight markers, respectively.
The Dominican Republic, now 0–6, will try to break through against Japan on Saturday at 8:00 PM.
