Slovenia defeats Dominican Republic, Cuba losses again

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, September 11, 2017 - Slovenia summarily dismissed the Dominican Republic 4-1 (15-11, 15-9, 11-15, 19-17, 15-11) in an hour and 16 minutes here Monday at Arena Stozice to remain undefeated and at the top of the standings in Pool A after two rounds of play.

With a second solid performance in a row the home team provided great entertainment for the fans and even when the 'Queens of the Caribbean' attempted a comeback after the third, Slovenia upped their game to come from behind in the fourth, fighting for every ball and taking it on their sixth set point before pushing on for the win.

Sixteen points each from Sasa Planinsec (including a tournament-high six blocks) and Iza Mlakar paved the way for Slovenia who applied pressure with their serving and proved more efficient in digging and receiving - despite the best efforts of the vistors' libero Winifer Fernandez.

Madeline Guillen came off the bench to lead the Dominicans with 12 points while Jineiry Martinez and Gaila Gonzalez each had 11 points.

Also, Captain Misaki Yamauchi recorded 13 points to lead Japan in their dominating 4-0 (15-12, 15-12, 15-7, 15-13) win over Cuba in Pool B at Sportna Dvorana Tivoli Hall.

Yamauchi made ten fruitful attacks and three blocks to lead Japan to their first victory here in Ljubljana, Slovenia, after their unexpected lost against Bulgaria on the opening day. Best scorer for the Cuban side was Heidy Casanova with twelve kills.