Dominicans move to second round with 3-2 mark

HAMAMATSU, Japan, October 4, 2018 – Yonkaira Peña scored 16 points as the Dominican Republic routed Kenya 3-0 (25-5, 25-7, 25-15) at the FIVB Women's World Championship on Thursday afternoon.

The victory advanced the Dominicans to the second round of the tournament.

Lisvel Mejia and Brayelin Martinez added 12 points each in the victory for the Dominicans.

Leonida Kasaya and Sharon Chepchumba scored five apiece for Kenya in the loss.

The Dominican Republic came into the contest with a 2-2 record, while Kenya entered with a 1-3 mark.

The Dominicans dominated in all aspects of the game on this day, exhibiting their skills on attack, serve and blocks.

They showed a huge advantage in the aces category 16-2, with Peña recording 9 of her own, and in the blocking department 6-1, three by Mejía.

The Kenyan defense had trouble dealing with the power of the Dominicans and appeared listless at times. They struggled with reception throughout the match.

Also in Hamamatsu, Ana Bjelica dominated as Serbia closed out Pool D play with a perfect 5-0 record with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 27-25) victory over Puerto Rico.

Bjelica tallied a match-high 19 points in the victory. Tijana Malesevic and Bojana Milenkovic added seven points each for the winners. Daly Santana scored 18 points to lead Puerto Rico in the loss.

Serbia entered the final match of the opening round with a 4-0 record and not having dropped a set. Puerto Rico came into the contest with a 2-2 mark and advanced to second round with a 2-3 mark.

Serbia's high block was problematic for Puerto Rico throughout the match. The Serbia attack gained steam with each set.