Dominican Republic tops Ukraine, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico with defeats

September 19, 2023 - The Dominican Republic earned its second consecutive victory in Pool A of the FIVB Olympic Qualification Tournament on Tuesday, defeating Ukraine 3-0 (27-17, 25-21, 31-29). In the same pool, Canada and Mexico suffered straight-set defeats, as did Puerto Rico in Group B.

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The Dominican Republic’s attack was led by Brayelin Martínez with 25 points, followed by Yonkaira Peña with 15, Gaila González with 13, and Jineirys Martínez with 10 points, improving the team’s record to two wins and one loss in Pool A, in Ningbo, China.

Dominicans outperformed Ukraine 55-48 in attacks and 11-4 in blocks. Ukraine led in service aces 3-1.

Meanwhile, Canada fell 0-3 (19-25, 17-25, 21-25) to Serbia and now has a 1-2 record.

The European team dominated in attacks 45-32, blocks 9-7, and service points 8-1. Canadians Alexa Gray, Kiera Van Ryk, and Hilary Howe each scored nine points. Serbia’s Tijana Boškovic was the top scorer with 25 points, including four aces.

Also in Group A, Mexico suffered its third defeat (0-3) after losing to the Netherlands 0-3 (18-25, 18-25, 17-25), who led in attacks 45-38, blocks 10-3, and service points 5-2. Grecia Castro was Mexico’s top scorer with 12 points, followed by Jocelyn Urías with eight points.

In Group B, contested in Tokyo, Japan, Puerto Rico lost to the hosts 0-3 (23-25, 21-25, 13-25) and now has a 1-2 record.

Puerto Rico dominated in blocks 7-2, but Japan led in attacks (52-36) and service points (5-2). Brittany Abercrombie, with 17 points, was the leading scorer for Puerto Rico.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Follow the tournament at Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament