Dominican Republic and USA lost in five sets, Cuba won 3-0 

MACAO, China.- Brazil edged Dominican Republic on Friday coming from one set down to win a five-set battle starting the second weekend of the FIVB World Grand Prix. Sheilla Castro scored five of her 17 points in the decisive fifth set and Caroline Gattaz came from the bench to block three balls and the double champions Brazilians kept their unbeaten record in four outings winning by score of 25-14, 22-25, 20-25, 25-17 and 15-8.

The Dominicans saw their record leveled at 2-2. In the other match here, China maintained its perfect record but also had to battle during five sets to defeat USA (1-3) by score of 25-27, 25-22, 25-22, 20-25 and 16-14. Meanwhile in Chinese Taipei, Cuba (2-2) defeated Thailand 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-17) with a well balanced attack from the only offensive players utilized by Coach Felipe Calderon. Brazilian Mari Steinbrecher was the top scorer of the match with 22 points, Fabiana Claudino cooperated with 17 points, including five blocks and Welissa Gonzaga made 8.

Annerys Vargas was the best Dominican with 14 points that included four blocks, Nurys Arias had 10, Milagros Cabral 9 and Cindy Rondon and Cosiris Rodriguez each scored 8. Hao Yang and Yanan Liu each had 19 points in China victory while American Tayyiba Haneef led all the scorers with 23 points.

Cuban Daimi Ramirez had 12 points, Yanelis Santos and Rosir Calderon each had 10, Kenia Carcaces and Zoila Barros contributed 9 apiece and Nancy Carrillo chipped in 8. “The Dominican Republic is a team you have to respect,” said Jose Guimaraes, the Brazilian coach. “We were fortunate to elevate our game in the fourth and fifth set after making too many errors in the second and third.

One key part was the job done by the players coming off the bench. We don’t have one star but a team and that is very important.” “Our reception was way below par as also our fielding,” said Beato Cruz, the Dominican coach. “But you have to congratulate Brazil. I am not happy with the loss, but the Grand Prix is just starting and we have to make up for our errors and keep moving forward.”