Hamamatsu, Japan, October 3, 2018 - Bethania De La Cruz and Yonkaira Isabel scored 15 points each to lead the Dominican Republic past Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-20) in Pool D action at the FIVB Women's World Championship on Wednesday afternoon.
Prissila Brens contributed 13 points in the win for the Dominicans.
Daly Santana was the high scorer with 10 points for Puerto Rico in the loss.
The victory gives the Dominicans a 2-2 record, while Puerto Rico is also 2-2 after the defeat.
The veteran core of the Dominican team utilized their experience to dominate Puerto Rico. They passed and defended well and excelled on attack. They displayed both power and finesse in the win.
The opening set progressed point-by-point as neither team was able to open up a significant lead. Lisvel Mejia's block after a long rally made it 9-8 for the Dominicans. A huge spike by De La Cruz gave the Dominicans a 14-11 edge. The Dominican Republic scored several points with deft touches that fell into open space. Isabel gave the Dominicans the set 25-22 with a spike from the wing.
The Dominican Republic took the initiative in the second set and led 8-5 at the first TTO. They built the lead with good teamwork and were in front 16-10 at the second TTO. A block by De La Cruz made it 23-16 for the Dominican Republic and they claimed the set 25-17.
The final set was close, with Puerto Rico ahead 8-7 at the first TTO. An ace by Neira Ortiz gave Puerto Rico a 9-6 lead and hope, but the Dominicans came right back and leveled at 11-11, then took the lead 12-11 on a crosscourt spike by De La Cruz. From there the Dominican Republic pulled away and clinched the set and match 25-20.