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MIAO LI, Taiwan, August 7, 2009.- USA survived
five match-points to defeat Dominican Republic
during one exciting but also erratic game by
score of 25-19, 25-18, 23-25, 21-25, 23-21 in
the first contest of Pool D in the FIVB World
Grand Prix.
In another match in Pool F, Japan beat Puerto
Rico in straight sets by score of 25-22, 25-21,
25-17 in only 75 minutes. The Japanese serves
kept their opponents out of system totaling 9
aces during the match.
USA evened its win-loss record at 2-2, Dominican
Republic dropped to 1-3 and Puerto Rico remained
winless in four outings.
Down 0-2, the Dominican side received a shot in
the arm from setter Niverka Marte and attacker
Jeoselyna Rodríguez, who was fundamental to even
the score and send it to the last stage.
Veteran lefthander Nancy Metcalf scored 20
points to lead USA Team and Foluke Akinradewo
contributed 17 points. Alexis Crimes and Kristin
Richards added 13 points apiece and Jordan
Larson tallied 12.
Bethania de la Cruz was the most prolific
Dominican attacker with 18 points, followed by
Rodriguez’s 14 points despite starting only the
last two sets. Milagros Cabral notched 12 and
Annerys Vargas and Lisvel Eve compiled 11 and 10
tallies, with 6 and tour blocks respectively.
USA Team had the advantage in attacks 61-52 and
service aces 9-2, while the Dominicans edged in
blocks 15-14. The winners gave away 39 points in
errors and the losers were not far apart with 33
mistakes.
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