Hamamatsu, Japan, September 30, 2018 - Brazil notched their second consecutive straight sets triumph with a comprehensive 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-22) victory over the Dominican Republic at the FIVB Women's World Championship on Sunday afternoon.
Tandara Caixeta paced Brazil in the win with a match-high 14 points, with Gabriela Guaimaraes adding 13.
Fernanda Rodrigues contributed 12 points for the winners.
Paola Pena Isabel and Ceneida Gonzalez led the Dominican Republic with nine points each.
Brazil was solid in every facet of the game this day. They served, passed and blocked well throughout the contest.
The opening set was tight until Brazil opened up a 14-9 lead and the Dominicans called a timeout. Brazil was strong on attack and blocking, while keeping the pressure on their opponents.
The first set featured several good rallies, with Brazil usually getting the point in the end.
The South Americans increased the margin to a 22-13 advantage with their steady play and went on to claim the set 25-14 on a service ace.
The second set provided more of the same, as Brazil asserted their dominance by grabbing an 11-6 lead following a lengthy rally that culminated with a great block by Fernanda. The Brazilians played with great precision as they clinically moved through the set.
The Dominicans struggled in reception in the set. Brazil passed especially well and was up 16-10 at the second TTO, before taking the set 25-20 when Caixeta smashed a spike into a hole in the Dominican defense.
The Dominican Republic showed some fight in the third set and led 8-7 at the first TTO after a well-placed spike by captain Bethania De La Cruz. The Dominicans moved ahead 13-10 and Brazil took a timeout to try and stop the momentum. Brazil blocked several spikes during the set that went back over the Dominican defense and landed in for points.
The Dominicans clung to a 16-15 lead at the second TTO, but it appeared Brazil was poised for a final push to close out the match. They did just that, running off five straight points to moved ahead 20-16 before clinching the match 25-22 with one last block.
Brazil again enjoyed partisan support from the crowd, with many fans of Japanese-Brazilian descent attending the match.
Brazil defeated Puerto Rico 3-0 in their opening match on Saturday, while the Dominicans fell to Serbia 3-0.