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MAUNABO, Puerto Rico, September 18, 2015 – The Dominican
Republic edged Italy in five sets 3-2 (25-20, 19-25, 25-22,
24-26, 15-7) in a seesaw mouth-watering duel to advance for the
second time in history to the gold medal match at the FIVB
Volleyball Women’s U20 World Championship.
The Dominicans, silver medalists in 2009 when they lost to
Germany in the title match, will be playing Brazil, a sixth-time
champion playing in their ninth final, who demolished Japan 3-0
(25-18, 25-15, 25-21) in the other semifinal contest.
Brazil and Dominican Republic clashed in the first-round of the
tournament in Pool D with the Dominicans claiming the victory in
straight sets 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-19).
Brayelin Martinez, the top scorer of the tournament with 143
points, once again led the Dominican side with 27 points. She
was joined by Gaila Gonzalez, Natalia Martinez and Jineiry
Martinez with 18, 14 and 13 points, respectively. Paola Egonu
led Italy with 21 points.
Lana Conceicao was the top Brazilian scorer with 15 points,
followed by Lorenne Geraldo and Gabrielle Silva who contributed
13 and 11, respectively. Hirose Nanami and Yanagita Mizuki led
Japan with 14 and 13 tallies.
Italy will play Japan for the bronze medal followed by the duel
for the gold medal match between Dominican Republic and Brazil
at Hector Sola Bezares Coliseum in Caguas.
In other matches:
Cuba defeated Egypt 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-17) and will play
Puerto Rico for the 13th position. Anet Alfonso led Cuba with 15
points.
Puerto Rico defeated Mexico 3-1 (25-22, 25-16, 17-25, 25-19)
with Dariana Hollingsworth and Nelmarie Cruz each contributing
14 points in the victory. Mexico’s Maria Rodriguez had a
match-high 18 points.
Mexico will meet Egypt in the match for the 15th position. |
