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Brayelin scores 26 in loss to Turkey

 

ANKARA, Turkey, May 23, 2018 – Top FIVB Women’s Nations League scorer Brayelin Martinez of Dominican Republic chipped in with a match-high 26 points and Yonkaira Peña weighed in with 15 points, but their attacking verve wasn't enough as they were too often carved open - with their serving particularly erratic in the loss to host Turkey in four sets (25-20, 17-25, 25-20, 25-19) at the Baskent Volleyball Hall in Ankara            

 

Gamze Alikaya's wonderful individual performance inspired Turkey to a rare home victory as they showed real tenacity and courage to recover from Tuesday's defeat to Brazil in the same arena as they posted a 4th victory in 5 Nations League matches.

 

 Dominican Republic were a threat from spike range, but their form from Tuesday's impressive 3-0 victory over Argentina largely deserted them as they were outgunned by the hosts, whose victory sparked jubilant scenes at the final whistle.

 

Seyma Ercan was Turkey's top scorer with 17 points, including 16 spikes, but it was setter Alikaya's display which provided the creative spark to propel the hosts to an impressive victory. Libero Hatice Orge Guner was a pivotal figure defensively, while Zehra Gunes (15 points) and Hande Baladin (14 points) were excellent attacking outlets as Giovanni Guidetti's girls added attacking flair to their renowned defensive strength and blocking capabilities.

 

The hosts move up to 4th place in the Nations League table, while it's back to the drawing board for the Dominican Republic who have just 1 win from 5 outings.