Thailand prevails in duel against Dominican Republic

SHENZHOU, China, July 4, 2014 – Thailand outdueled Dominican Republic in a thrilling five-setter (25-23, 20-25, 23-25, 25-22, 18-16) as the China Women’s International Tournament continued on Friday. Both teams have 1-1 win-loss record.

Onuma Sittirak and Nuekjang Thatdao led the winners with 28 and 18 points, respectively. Nungsukamr and Kongyot contributed 14 and 13 points.

Gina Mambru had 25 points as the top Dominican scorer followed by Bethania De la Cruz with 23. Candida Arias finished with 12, including seven blocks.

In the first match of Friday, China recovered from losing the first set to defeat Belgium 3-1 (22-25, 25-12, 25-14, 25-19). The home team improved to 2-0 and Belgium evened up at 1-1.

Ruoqui had 22 points as China’s offensive leader followed by Chunlei with 18 points, including three aces and four blocks. Xu and Xinyue contributed 12 and 10, respectively.

Van Hecke led Belgium with 15 points. Aebretch, Heyrman and Dirickx had 9 points apiece in the losing effort.

Tournament’s results:

China d Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-12)

Belgium d Thailand 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-18)

China d Belgium 3-1 (22-25, 25-12, 25-14, 25-19)

Thailand d Dominican Republic 3-2 (25-23, 20-25, 23-25, 25-22, 18-16)