Hamamatsu, Japan, September 29, 2018 - Brankica Mihajlovic and Tijana Boskovic teamed up to lead Serbia to a comprehensive 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-22) victory over the Dominican Republic in Pool D at the FIVB Women's World Championship on Saturday afternoon.
Mihajlovic and Boskovic scored 12 points each as Serbia put on an impressive show in the triumph. Milena Rasic added eight points for the winners.
Mihajlovic, who once played in Japan, put on her usual show of power on attack.
Brayelin Martinez was the top scorer for the Dominican Republic with eight points in the loss.
Serbia established their dominance early, bolting to a 11-3 lead in the opening set after a flying spike by Tijana Boskovic. The Dominicans looked overwhelmed by Serbia's power in the first set.
Serbia was up 16-6 at the second TTO.
The Dominican defense was porous at times, allowing Serbia free reign to utilize their powerful game. Serbia took the first set 25-17 after an extended rally ended with the Dominicans unable to handle a return. Brankica Mihajlovic set the pace for Serbia with seven points in the set.
The second set was a tighter affair, with the Dominicans finding their footing and distributing the ball well on offense, but still not able to overtake their foes. Maja Ognjenovic gave Serbia the second set 25-20 with an uncontested spike at the net.
The Dominicans exhibited good teamwork on the way to taking a 9-6 lead in the third set, but Serbia would not let them pull away. It was 16-14 for the Dominican Republic at the second TTO. Serbia moved ahead 17-16 on a service ace by Silvija Popovic and the Dominicans immediately called a timeout.
The third set featured some fine extended rallies that the crowd really enjoyed. The Dominicans went back up 18-17 on a spike by Jineiry Martinez. the middle blocker hit the ball so hard that she injured her arm on the play and had to come out of the game.
It was 20-20 before Serbia made a final push to take the set. Mihajlovic flew in for a spike to make it match point at 24-21 and Serbia closed it out 25-22.