Brayelin Martinez (20) led the Dominican victory over Czech Republic in Gurabo
Gurabo, Puerto Rico, September 12, 2015 – The Dominican Republic saw off Czech Republic 3-1 (25-20, 24-26, 25-19, 25-14) to claim their second victory in as many outings in Pool D at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s U20 World Championship in Gurabo.
Brayelin Martinez and Gaila Gonzalez were the main offensive leaders for the Dominican team with 19 and 17 points, respectively, while Jineiry Martinez added 13 in the victory. Anna Sucha finished with 10 for the defeated side.
The stronger attacks and godd blocking of the Dominican team were enough to neutralize the good serves executed by the Czech during the match. The Dominicans outblocked their opponents 13-5 but the Turkish were better from the service line 9-3.
Dominican Republic led 8-4 and 16-13 in the first set behind the potent spikes of Gonzalez and Brayelin Martinez. Sucha and Lucie Nova did most of the damage to keep the Czech side close before the set finished 25-20.
The Dominicans took a 5-1 lead but two aces by Klara Mikelova narrowed the distance to 6-4. It was 8-4 and 16-11 in favor of the Caribbean side before Kopacova landed a spike and added one ace to spark a Czech surge that saw the Europeans ahead in the score for the first time at 20-19. The Czech side took the set 26-24 with spikes by Sucha and Kopacova.
The Czechs led 8-6 but their opponents were in front 16-15 at the second TTO and expanded the distance taking advantage of several opponent errors. Brayelin Martinez closed the third set with a couple of spikes.
The Dominicans dominated the fourth set from start to finish leading 8-2 and 16-8 before closing it 25-14 with the inspiration of the attacks by Jineiry Martinez.