Volleyball Nations League: Serbia ends slump vs Dominican Republic

The win also gave the Serbians their second win against five setbacks, which is good for 10th spot.

STAR / Russell Palma

Games Saturday

(PhilSports Arena)

4 p.m. – USA vs Italy

8 p.m. – Japan vs Dominican Republic

MANILA, Philippines — For the last four years, Serbia has waited for the right moment to get back at nemesis in the Dominican Republic.

The wait ended Friday after the Serbians found a way to end their losing spell against the Dominicans, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, and breathed life to the former’s floundering bid in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

It was evident after the World No. 9 sealed the win as the Serbians raised their arms in relief like people praying for rain and an end to a long drought.

Their prayers were answered.

Not only did it resuscitate its VNL campaign, it also halted a five-match slump to Dominican Republic that started in 2023 in a heartbreaking five-set defeat in this same tournament.

It was all downhill from there versus the Dominicans until it found the right recipe in cooking a dish best served cold — vengeance.

And they did it minus their superstar Tijana Boskovic, who was rested for this Pasig stop.

Good thing there was Anja Zubic and Nina Cajic, who filled the massive vacuum left by the high-scoring Boskovic by uncorking 16 and 13 points, respectively.

Somehow, it also eased the pain of Serbia’s pair of stinging five-set to crowd darling Japan and World No. 1 Italy in consecutive nights.

The win also gave the Serbians their second win against five setbacks, which is good for 10th spot.

It also kept them in contention for a place in the top eight where they will have a chance to match, if not eclipse, their best finish here — a bronze four years back in Turkey.

The Dominican Republic remained at the bottom of this 18-team meet.