Dominican Republic and China open with victories

NINGBO, China, June 27, 2014 – The Dominican Republic and hosts China opened with four-set victories at the China International Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Friday.

The Dominicans, who recently were crowned as champions of the Women’s Pan American Cup in Mexico City, defeated Thailand 25-23, 25-19, 16-25, 25-20 as both teams prepare for the upcoming FIVB World Grand Prix.

China, currently ranked in fifth position in the world, Dominican Republic and Thailand, will compete in Group 1 at the Grand Prix. Belgium will play in Group 2.

Gina Mambru led the Dominican Republic with 16 points, followed by Bethania De la Cruz and Marianne Fersola with 15 and 14, respectively. Yonkaira Peña and Candida Arias chipped in with 9 and 8 points.

In the second match of Friday, hosts China recovered from losing the first set and cruised the rest of the way to a 18-25, 25-12, 25-18, 25-20 victory over Belgium.

In Saturday’s action, China plays Dominican Republic while Belgium meets Thailand. The round-robin tournament has Belgium against Dominican Republic and China versus Thailand on Sunday.

These same teams then move to Shenzhou for the second part of the competition to be played from July 3-5.