Dominican Republic beat China in just 51 minutes

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, September 14, 2017 - The Dominican Republic obliterated China 4-0 (15-10, 15-13, 15-3, 15-10) in 51 minutes here on Thursday at Arena Stozice, to gain advantage in the race for a berth in the semifinals of the 2017 FIVB Women's 23 World Championship.

China could have gained the second semifinal ticket from Pool A after Slovenia with any win today for full points today. Now, the Dominican Republic need just three sets against Thailand on Friday to join Slovenia in the semis, regardless of what anyone else does.

If the Dominican Republic qualify on Friday, it will be their third Final Four appearance in as many editions of the Women's U23 World Championship, after a silver medal in 2013 and a bronze in 2015.

The 'Queens of the Caribbean' totally outblocked China 9 stuffs to 2 as Gaila Gonzalez scored 16 points, including 4 blocks and a 58% kill efficiency (11/19). Madeline Guillen contributed 10 points in the victory.

Dominican Republic coach, Wager Pacheco: "Because of this win now we have really good chances to play in the semifinals, but the match against Thailand [on Friday] will still be tough, because they have a really good team. But today my team played with heart. The girls were concentrated and were aggressive, which is really important."

Ailama Cese and Diaris Perez helped Cuba to book their first victory here in Ljubljana, outplaying Kenya in straight sets (15-9, 15-10, 15-7, 15-12) in 55 minutes in Pool B on Thursday afternoon.

Cuba’s Perez and Ailama had identical twelve-point outputs. Cuba made the difference with a 39-19 spiking firework.