Lausanne, Switzerland, July 13, 2017 - Russia look to break a five-match losing streak Friday when they host the Dominican Republic in Kaliningrad. This includes the reigning European champions' three five-set defeats on the opening weekend. Russia have never lost to the Caribbean side the 12 times they've come head-to-head in any official competition.
Head-to-Head• Russia have won all of their 12 meetings at world level with Dominican Republic.
• Their last major encounter took place at the 2015 World Cup. Russia triumphed in straight sets.
• They last faced off in the World Grand Prix in 2015, when Russia also won in straight sets.
Russia• Russia have started their 2017 World Grand Prix this season with three defeats, against United States, China and Italy.
• Russia have now lost their last five World Grand Prix matches, their longest losing run in the competition.
• Their last four defeats in the World Grand Prix were matches that took a fifth set to decide.
Dominican Republic• Dominican Republic rebounded from a season opening defeat against Netherlands with victories against Japan and Thailand.
• Dominican Republic have won nine of their last 10 World Grand Prix matches.
• Against Thailand, Dominican Republic were paced by Annerys Vargas and Brayelin Martinez, who contributed 21 points each.