USA and Dominican Republic on right track

ROME, Italy, September 27, 2014 – United States and Dominican Republic continued their march toward the second round both with undefeated records in Pools C and A, respectively, at the FIVB Women’s World Championship Italy 2014.

In Saturday’s action, United States blanked Thailand, while Dominican Republic registered a 3-1 victory over Argentina.

The Americans have now 12 points after four matches and the Dominicans, who have two victories in five sets, have 10 points.

Cuba, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, the other teams representing NORCECA, all lost their meetings on Saturday.

United States 3, Thailand 0

USA beat Thailand for the second time at a World Championship by overpowering them 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-20). USA, who had already qualified for the second round of competition after three matches, have now 12 points after four match days to equal Russia’s result in Pool C. USA have only conceded one set at this championship in the match against Mexico. Tetori Dixon and Jordan Larson Burbach topped the winners with 11 and 10 points, respectively, while no Thailand player reached double digits.

Dominican Republic 3, Argentina 1

Dominican Republic claimed their fourth victory in Pool A first round, defeating Argentina for 3-1 (25-13, 25-20, 19-25, 25-18). The Dominicans, who had already booked a visit to the second round won their fourth match in a World Championship for the first time and extended their winning streak to five dating back to the 2010 edition. Once again Gina Mambru led the Dominican offense with 17 points followed by Annerys Vargas with 16, including five blocks. Candida Arias and Bethania De la Cruz added 14 points apiece. Lucia Fresco and Paula Nizetich had 12 and 10, respectively, in the losing effort.

China 3, Cuba 0

China remained at the top of pool D at the end of the fourth day after sweeping Cuba 3-0 Saturday evening for their fourth consecutive win. The Chinese women outblocked Cuba 13-3 and they reaped eight points from serving, compared to two for Cuba. Zhu Ting led China with 18 points and Yuan had eight kills, five blocks and a pair of aces to add 15 points. Cuba’s Sulian Matienzo and Melissa Vargas finished with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Japan 3, Puerto Rico 0

Japan knocked out Puerto Rico in straight sets (25-21, 25-20, 25-19) for their third straight win following an opening loss to Azerbaijan. With the well deserved victory, the Japanese women improved to 10 points on a 3-1 win-loss record in pool D and secured their berth in the second phase. Puerto Rico slipped to 1-3 and need to beat Belgium on Sunday for a chance to stay in contention. Kimura Saori was the top scorer of the match with 19 points, followed by Nagaoka Miyu (14). Puerto Rico’s Aury Cruz and Karina Ocasio each had 12 points while Yarimar Rosa added 10 in the loss.

Serbia 3, Canada 1

Around 2,600 spectators saw a superior Serbia dominate a resilient Canada 3-1 (25-7, 26-28, 25-21, 25-15) in the second match of the fourth day, Pool B. The Serbians were already qualified to the second round and have won their first four matches of a single round for the third consecutive edition. Top scorer for Serbia was Milena Rasic with 17 points, followed by Tijana Boskovic (15) and Jelena Nikolic (13). For Canada, Kyla Richey was the best scorer with 13 points, then Charuk Lucille and Marcelle Shanice with 11 points each.

Kazakhstan 3, Mexico 0

Taller Kazakhstan knocked Mexico out of the competition in straight sets (25-12, 25-16, 25- 21) in Pool C.  After losing four matches, Mexico have lost their chances to  compete in the next round of the championship, where they only won one set against USA on Tuesday. Mexico have are now on a 14-match losing streak at World Championships. They last won in West Germany in 1982. Tatyana Mudritskaya and Sana Anarkulova where the best on Kazakhstan with 15 and 13 points respectively, while Andrea Rangel confirmed the top scorer on Mexico’s side with 9 points.