Nagoya, Japan, October 11, 2018 - Bethania De La Cruz scored a match-high 18 points as the Dominican Republic defeated Germany 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-17) in the second round at the FIVB Women's World Championship on Thursday afternoon and the German team gave their captain a surprise sendoff at her final press conference with the team.
Dominican Republic coach Marcos Kwiek: We feel happy with the win. The matches with Germany are always close. It was a high-tension match and fierce. Our block and defense worked intensively today. It was important for us to finish the world championships with a match like this. We had good service today. We could have done more in this competition, so we will go home and practice more.
Germany coach Felix Koslowski: I'm proud of my team, but the Dominican Republic deserved to win. We wished to finish with a victory but they played well. I'm sorry our captain is leaving. However, she is making space for your younger players.
Germany captain Maren Fromm: I'm a bit emotional. It was my last game. I have to admit that the Dominican Republic was stronger today. This farewell showed what our team is about. My heart is bleeding because I have to leave, but the team will grow without me. It will be better not to have me as a mother always around.
Dominican Republic captain Bethania De La Cruz: This was an important match for us as the last one. We wanted to finish with a win. It will be good for us in our next moves.