Hamamatsu, Japan, October 4, 2018 - Yonkaira Isabel scored 16 points as the Dominican Republic routed Kenya 3-0 (25-5, 25-7, 25-15) at the FIVB Women's World Championship on Thursday afternoon. The victory advanced the Dominicans to the second round of the tournament.
Lisvel Mejia and Brayelin Martinez added 12 points each in the victory for the Dominicans.
Leonida Kasaya and Sharon Chepchumba scored five apiece for Kenya in the loss.
The Dominican Republic came into the contest with a 2-2 record, while Kenya entered with a 1-3 mark.
The Dominicans dominated in all aspects of the game on this day, exhibiting their skills on attack, serve and blocks.
The Kenyan defense had trouble dealing with the power of the Dominicans and appeared listless at times. They struggled with reception throughout the match.
The Dominicans jumped out to an 8-3 lead in the opening set, scoring quickly on attack and being very proficient on serve. With the score 11-5, the Dominicans ran off eight straight points to taking a commanding 19-5 advantage. A spike by Brayelin Martinez made it 21-5. Galia Gonzalez gave the Dominican Republic the set 25-5 with a spike from the wing.
The second set was a repeat of the first, as the Dominican Republic jumped to a 6-0 lead. Keyna finally got on the board on a spike by Sharon Chepchumba. Leading 9-2, the Dominican Republic went on a seven-point run to lead 16-2 at the second TTO. The Kenyans had no answer for the Dominican attack and fell farther behind. The Dominican Republic took the set 25-7 on a service ace by Martinez.
The early part of the third set was competitive, as the score was 7-7 after the first 14 points, with Kenya showing energy on offense. The Dominicans went back on the offensive, scoring four straight points to go up 11-7 and led 16-11 at the second TTO. The Dominican Republic continued to build on the lead and clinched the set and match 25-15 on a service ace by Isabel.