Czechia Rallies from Two Sets Down to Stun Dominican Republic, Snaps Skid

Czechia erased a two-set deficit in thrilling fashion, rallying past the Dominican Republic 17–25, 24–26, 25–18, 31–29, 15–10 on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The dramatic comeback capped Week 2 of the 2026 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League.

After looking headed for another straight-sets loss, the Europeans gradually turned the tide as their offense and defense synchronized in the clutch. Czechia mounted a strong fightback in the third set and survived a marathon fourth set that went to extra points before dominating the decisive fifth.

Monika Brancuska delivered a match-high 28 points (23 attacks, 3 blocks, 2 aces) and added 13 digs, repeatedly stepping up in critical moments, including a key kill that helped secure match point. Helena Grozer was equally instrumental with 13 points, particularly in the extended fourth set that forced a decider.

The winning point came from Gabriela Orvosova, who hammered home a decisive spike off a precise set from Anna Pragerova after two hours and 22 minutes of intense play.

Brancuska acknowledged the difficulty of the heavy schedule but praised the team’s ability to regroup after a slow start.

The Dominican Republic, despite taking a commanding 2-0 lead, dropped to 1–7. Flormarie Heredia led them with 17 points, while Geraldine González, Yonkaira Peña Isabel, Jineiry Martínez, and Alondra Tapia all reached double figures.

The victory improved Czechia to 4–4, ending a three-game losing streak and boosting their chances of reaching the Final Round. They will face Germany on July 8 in Belgrade, while the Dominican Republic takes on Belgium the same day in Hong Kong.