MANILA, Philippines — SERBIA steadied the ship as the Dominican Republic's search for a breakthrough continues in the Women's Volleyball Nations League on Friday at the Philsports Arena.
Explosive 21-year-old star Anja Zubic took charge as Serbia routed the Dominican Republic, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, in the event presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.
It was a breezy afternoon outing for the Serbs, who had two consecutive late-night five-set finishes, both ending in losses — to world No. 5 Japan and top-ranked Italy.
Zubic had 15 points on 12 attacks, two blocks and a serve, while Nina Cajic scored 12 on 10 attacks and two blocks as world no. 10 Serbia notched its second victory in seven matches, moving them closer to midtable in the elite 18-nation meet.
The top eight after the three-week nine-leg preliminary stage advance to the final in Macau.
World No. 2 Brazil, currently playing in the Ankara (Turkiye) leg, has six wins in as many matches.
Japan, one of six nations in tje Pasig City leg, is the only other unbeaten team at 5-0. No. 12 Dominican Republic, meanwhile, continues to grope for form in the FIVB’s premier annual international tournament, falling to 0-7.
Geraldine Sthefany Gonzalez had five of the Dominicans’ eight blocks, and led the team in scoring with 11, six on attacks.
Jineiry Matinez had 10 points on eight attacks and two blocks. TMT
