VNL Week 2: Czechia rallies past Dominican Republic to end skid

Helena Grozer and her teammates celebrate during Czechia’s win over Dominican Republic in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 2 at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Czechia won’t leave the Philippines empty-handed.

Riding the hot hands of Monika Brancuska, Czechia pulled off a come-from-behind win over the Dominican Republic, 17-25, 24-26, 25-18, 31-29, 15-10, to end a three-game skid in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 2 on Sunday night at Philsports Arena.

Brancuska led the Czechs with 28 points, as they improved to a 4-4 record after losing three straight games. Magdalena Jehlarova and Michaela Mlejnkova had 14 points each.

READ: VNL Week 2: Japan escapes Czechia, keeps perfect 6-0 record

Helena Grozer on Czechia’s experience in the Philippines. #BePartoftheGame @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/YZvbdB6CDM

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Czechia blew a 19-13 lead in the fourth, as Dominican Republic unleashed a 10-1 run to take a 23-20 advantage. The latter’s errors and Helena Grozer’s timely hits allowed the Czechs to force a decider. They never looked back to complete a reverse sweep.

Grozer finished with 13 points after saving the Czechs in the fourth set. 

“Well, Dominican Republic, they started very strong against us. We were not feeling comfortable, I think, in two sets. We knew that we can play better, but we just couldn’t. They pushed us. And I think after second set, we just said that it cannot be worse,” said Grozer.

“So we started to push very hard back. And I think they also get tired because they have their third game. And I’m very proud of my team that from that bottom we get so much in a good game and that we bring home this last game.”

Dominican Republic couldn’t carry the momentum from its breakthrough win over erstwhile-unbeaten Japan.

Flormarie Heredia led the Dominicans with 17 points. Geraldine Sthefany Gonzalez, Paola Peña Isabel, and Jineiry Martinez had 15 points each, while Alondra Denis Tapia added 14.