Dominican Republic eyes the quarterfinal berth after defeating GB – Volleyball News
Women’s Olympic volleyball team of Dominican Republic finally broke the ice and claimed first win of the tournament on Friday.
Visiting Dominican Republic team overpowered the hosts Great Britain in straight sets and celebrated victory. The set scores of the match were 25-9, 25-18, and 25-19. The match was played at the Earls Court in front of some 14,000 volleyball enthusiasts.
The Dominicans demonstrated a convincing performance and successfully made their mark.
In the next run, Dominican Republic is totally shaped up to beat Algeria on Sunday. According to the set formula of the competition, Dominican Republic will advance to the quarterfinals with one more victory in the competition. Hence, the team is determined
to give out its best shot in the upcoming match.
Speaking of the match against GB, Bethania De La Cruz played a big role in Dominican Republic’s success. She actively attempted attacks and also offered solid defence to the opponents. She ended with 9 spikes and three blocks in the match. Likewise, Prisilla
Rivera put in great effort to lead her team to victory. She chipped in 10 points.
For home squad, the captain Lynne Beattie claimed team-high 11 points and she was the only player on her side with double-figure score.
GB team had the competitive advantage of playing at home and with the emotional support of local fans. However, the hosts could not get the right form to take a good start in the match. Dominican Republic built an early lead and stretched out the gap of
points. Britons ended up with only nine points and dropped the first set.
Hosts played comparatively better in the following set and earned lead for a short time, but the visitors regained better position and seized second-set win. Dominicans continued with success in the third set and declared match victory.
“Truthfully, we are better than Great Britain and were expecting a calm match. Nevertheless, our team made it easier, keeping concentration throughout the match” said Dominican coach Marcos Kwiek after the match. “Our goal is always to play well and achieve
a good spot in the pool rank so that in the quarterfinal we can prepare for whoever comes”.
GB coach Audrey Cooper: “I think two areas we outplayed them: we served better, we passed better. They’re an amazing team who are on form. Their libero, Brenda Castillo, is amazing. Janine Sandell is one of our hardest hitters but Castillo still gets an
arm on the ball constantly”.
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