Milano, Italy, October 10, 2014 - World No. 1 Brazil shut out the Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-17) to top Pool H in Round III of the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championships Italy 2014. Joining Brazil in qualifying from Pool H are China, thanks to their five-set victory over the Dominican Republic on Thursday.
In Saturday's semifinals Brazil, now undefeated in 11 matches at Italy 2014, will face the second-ranked team of Pool G, to be determined at the Italy v Russia match starting on Friday evening. The Dominican Republic rank fifth overall at these World Championships - a huge leap from their previous best of 11th in 1998.
Brazil’s best scorers were Sheila and captain Fabiana with 13 and 12 points, while for the Dominican Republic Prisila Rivera and captain Bethania De La Cruz contributed eight kills each.
Key Facts:
• These teams met for the third time at the World Championship. Brazil beat Dominican Republic in all their three encounters.
• Brazil are still unbeaten at the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship Italy 2014 with 11 victories.
• Dominican Republic have played their 50th match at the World Championship, the 18th team to reach this milestone.
World No. 1 Brazil jumped out for a quick 5-1 lead. A timid reaction of the Dominicans came with Elizabeth Martinez and captain De La Cruz who tried to shorten the gap but Brazil’s block was well positioned. Brazil led 8-4 at the first TTO. Dominican coach Marcos Kwiek called his ladies off court at 4–10 to reorganize his squad but Brazil were unstoppable and with captain Fabiana (six kills and one ace) on fire, the gap widened to seven points at 13–6. The defensive system of the South Americans worked well, giving the Dominican spikers a hard time. The Dominican Republic fought back on the end of the first but it was already too late. The reigning Olympic champions never looked back until 25-19.
The Brazilians kept momentum at the start of the second set. Elizabeth Martinez made an amazing defense at 9-5 – however - Sheila and Jaqueline moved the scoreboard forward for Brazil until 16-10. Kwiek called another timeout at 23-16 but it did not help. Brazil was just too good today and the Dominican Republic missed the power and strength they displayed throughout the tournament. Brazil ended the second set 25-21 to earn a comfortable 2-0 set lead.
The third set started more balanced with the Dominicans fighting hard for a comeback. Nevertheless, the South Americans still put a lot of pressure on the Dominican passers. At the second TTO, Brazil already led by five points. Even though the Queens of the Caribbean tried their best to stay alive, it remained a one-sided affair. The Brazilians showed their muscles with spectacular spikes and a well-organized defense. Zé Roberto’s team kept the upper hand over the brave Dominicans to end the third set 25-17 and the match 3-0 in their favor.