Brazil dominates Dominican Republic in VNL

ANKARA, Turkey, May 24, 2018 - Adenizia Da Silva and Amanda Francisco produced majestic performances to inspire Brazil to a 5th successive FIVB women's Nations League win after they crushed the Dominican Republic in straight sets (25-20, 25-10, 25-13) in Ankara.

Brazil, who recalled top scorer Tandara Caixeta after she was rested against Argentina on Wednesday, mixed potent, fluid attacking with added steel in defence, typified by the outstanding blocking display of Adenizia Da Silva, as they had far too much class for the Caribbean nation, who were outplayed in every department as they slumped to a 5th defeat in 6 Nations League matches. Brazil's victory means they move to within 1 point of pacesetters USA, and this display will serve as a warning to the rest of the tournament's frontrunners.

Amanda top-scored for Brazil with 14 points as she added accurate serving to her finishing ability, but there's far more to the South Americans than all-out attack. Their rigid defence and superb blocking - led by the impenetrable Da Silva - frustrated the Dominican Republic time and time again. Ana Beatriz and skipper Roberta Silva also produced performances full of craft and ingenuity as Brazil oozed class throughout.

Brayelin Martinez was the Dominican Republic's top scorer for their 5th Nations League match out of 6 in the inaugural competition; she chalked up 9 points but was snuffed out on numerous occasions by Brazil's blockers, and could only land 7 of her 25 attempted spikes. Yonkaira Pena Isabel (6 points) and Annerys Valdez (5 points) were their other top scorers, but the Caribbeans were erratic and error-strewn, with their serving letting them down again.