Dominicans get emotional victory over Japan

APELDOORN, Netherlands, July 8, 2017 - Dominican Republic edged Japan in late Saturday's match 3-1 (25-20, 25-19, 24-26, 29-27) winning comfortably first two sets and then the thrilling fourth one with Japan coming back strongly only in set three.

Bethania De La Cruz had a match-high 21 points followed by Annerys Victoria Vargas Valdez who registered 16 points. Jineiry Martínez added 15 while Gina Mambru and Brayelin Martínez each contributed12 points in the victory.

The Dominicans outblocked Japan 14-6 with Vargas contributing five blocks. Jineiry Martínez added four of her own and De la Cruz three.

Yurie Nabeya scored team-high 16 points on the losing side while Yuki Ishii added another 15 points.

In Kunshan, China, USA enjoyed their second FIVB World Grand Prix victory on Saturday when they defeated Italy 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-19).

Tetori Dixon and Michelle Bartsch-Hackley each had 10 points in the victory while Kelly Murphy added nine. Paola Egonu led Italy with 12 points.