Dominican Republic and USA, ready to get fourth win, Puerto Rico look for a chance to advance to second phase at WWCH

ROME and VERONE, Italy, September 26, 2014 - With their berth clinched to the second round, the National teams of USA and Dominican Republic, as representatives of Norceca, are ready to close fhe first phase at the FIVB Women’s World Championship.

The Dominican team coached by Brazilian Marcos Kwiek won their first three matches to collect seven points and a 1.194 ratio, while the Americans under direction of olympic multi-medalist Karch Kiraly have also a 3-0 record, with 9 points and a 1.284 ratio.

Both squads are located in second place in their respective groups, only below hosts Italy (9 points, 1.712), in the Dominican case in Pool A, and Rusia, as leaders of Pool C (9 points, 1.397), followed by the Americans.

Dominican Republic will match Argentina in a Pan American Volleyball Union Classic clash, while The USA expect to defeat Thailand, that grabbed a 3-0 victory over Mexico.

Puerto Rico still have some chances to advance to second phase. If they can do it, would play in Pool E in Bari and Trieste, along with the best four of Pools A and D (the one where they are in). However, the team coached by Jose Mieles must play fiercely against Japan, that are second in Pool with 7 points, a 2-1 record and 1.058 ratio. The Puerto Ricans are fourth with a 1-2 record, four points and a 0.995 ratio In Pool B, Canada will play against Serbia. The Canadians have only won one match against Cameroon, and have a 1-2 record, as well as a .805 points ratio and three points to stay in fifth place. Serbia is in second place of this Pool with 8 points,  and 1.178 ratio, following Brazil, with 9 and 1.562.

In Pool C, Mexico will play a key match against Kazakhstan, a team that defeated them at the FIVB World Grand Prix a few weeks ago in Czech Republic. Mexico is fifth with a .794 ratio and no points. Kazakhstan are sixth, have not grabbed points yet and have a .737 ratio.

Finally Cuba that have a young roster, will play against the leaders of Pool D, China, whose 9 points are product of three victories in straight sets and have a 1.331 ratio. The Cubans have not won yet, and register a 0.767 points ratio to be in sixth place after three losses.