June 20, 2026.- In what could be considered the biggest surprise of the 2026 Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) so far, the Dominican Republic earned its first victory of the season by defeating Japan, handing the Asian squad its first loss since the start of the competition. The Caribbean Queens secured a four-set victory over their powerful opponents on Saturday in Pasig City. Earlier in the day, in a rematch of the Paris 2024 Olympic final, the United States stunned Italy, defeating the reigning VNL, world, and Olympic champions in straight sets, while Canada fell to Thailand.
Dominican Republic Shocks the World by Defeating Japan
The Dominican Republic bounced back after dropping the opening set to claim a hard-fought 3-1 (17-25, 25-20, 28-26, 25-23) victory over Japan, the 2024 VNL runner-up and last year’s semifinalist.
The third set was by far the most competitive of the match. The lead changed hands several times, and in the closing stages, the Dominican Republic was the first team to reach set point. However, in overtime, they had to save a couple of Japanese set points before finally taking the set and moving ahead in the match.
The NORCECA side outperformed its opponents in net defense with a 10-6 advantage in kill blocks and also led in service aces, 4-3. Additionally, the Dominicans capitalized on Japan’s higher number of unforced errors, 21-17. Japan held the edge in attacks, 68-60.
Middle blocker Jineiry Martínez contributed four of the team’s 10 kill blocks and attacked at a 62% efficiency rate to finish with 14 points. Outside hitter Flormarie Heredia led all Dominican scorers with 17 points, while three other players also reached double figures: Yonkaira Peña Isabel with 13 points, and middle blocker Sthefany González and 22-year-old opposite Alondra Tapia with 11 points each.
The victory lifted the Dominican Republic out of last place in the VNL standings. The Caribbean team moved ahead of Bulgaria and France and now sits in 16th place with a 1-6 record and four points. Japan dropped to 6-1 with 16 points, falling to third place. The Asian squad also lost ground in the FIVB World Ranking, dropping to sixth place.
United States Dominant in Victory over Italy
The United States delivered an impressive 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-16) victory over world No. 1 Italy and climbed to fifth place in the world rankings. The Americans also moved ahead of Japan in both the VNL standings and the FIVB World Ranking, sitting in second place with a 6-1 record and 17 points.
With a 60% attacking efficiency, opposite Stephanie Samedy led the winners with 12 points, while outside hitter Madison Kubik Banks added another 12.
In team statistics, the United States outperformed Italy in attacks (49-41) and blocks (9-7), while also taking advantage of Italy’s 17 unforced errors. Italy held the edge in service aces, 4-2.
Canada Falls to Thailand
Canada was unable to overcome Thailand and suffered a 1-3 (21-25, 25-22, 18-25, 20-25) defeat, ending its strong winning streak during the second week of competition.
Match Schedule for June 21
In the Philippines (local time)
United States vs. Serbia – 12:00 PM
Dominican Republic vs. Czech Republic – 4:00 PM
In Thailand (local time)
Canada vs. Poland – 5:00 PM
This concludes the second week of action in the Women’s VNL. The third and final week will begin on July 8. The United States will travel to Japan, while the Dominican Republic and Canada will compete in China.
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