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Japan edges Dominican Republic in epic match

WALBRZYCH, Poland, June 13, 2018 – It was all smiles in the end for Japan who started well but left it late to beat the Dominican Republic in a tense fifth set 3-2 (25-15, 14-25, 21-25, 29-27, 15-13).  Japan are an all-round team, but today Sarina Koga stepped up to be the shining light in attack, complimenting their impressive defensive display. With that win, Japan avoided becoming the first nation to lose 300 matches at world level, and move ahead one more in wins to 328.

With setter Koyomi Tominaga controlling proceedings her attackers shone for large spells and when it mattered. Demonstrated by each one of her attacking players reaching double figures: Mai Okumura (10), Mami Uchiseto (10), Risa Shinnabe (14) and Nana Iwasaka (15). But top of the pile was Koga with 24 attacks from 66 attempts – many of these as the sets drew to a close.

Coach Kumi Nakada will be really happy with how this match panned out, especially after yesterdays disappointing loss against the home side. This win also brings her side up to W7-L7 matches in the 2018 VNL.

Coach Marcos Kwiek will have expected his team to have got the job done in the fourth set, but it was not to be. They will take pride from their performance, actually finishing with one more point in total than the eventual winners (105-104) after 2 and a half hours of action. Yonkaira Paola Peña Isabel was their top scorer taking 28 points across all aspects of the game and regularly achieving spikes of over 100 kmph. The “Queens of the Caribbean” have now lost their last seven matches, with their last five being in straight sets.

With Japan in 10th place (W6-L7) before the match and the Dominican Republic down in 14th position (W2-L11), both were already out of contention of reaching the Finals so this was all about pride. The Dominican Republic have won only three of their previous 18 major world level encounters with Japan, but one of those wins came in their most recent meeting in last year's FIVB World Grand Prix.

In the final day tomorrow at Hala Widowiskovo-Sportowa the Dominican Republic will face hosts Poland while Japan take on Russia.