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. |