Dominican Republic claims second victory at VNL

BANGKOK, Thailand, May 29, 2018 - Niverka Marte put her body on the line in more ways than one as she helped inspire Dominican Republic to an impressive 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-20) victory against Thailand in the women's FIVB Volleyball Nations League on Tuesday.

The head-to-head series is now 9-2 in favor of the Caribbean side.

The Dominican Republic captain produced another sensational performance in attack and defence, including winning one point off her head, as the Caribbean side won their second match of the tournament.

Yonkaira Peña (15) Brayelin Martinez (14) and Lisvel Eve (10) also produced brilliant performances to ensure a straight-sets victory for the visitors in front of a strong and enthusiastic crowd at the Indoor Stadium Huamark.

Wing spiker Ajcharaporn Kongyot spearheaded the Thailand attack and was well supported by opposite spiker Pimpichaya Kokram and middle blocker Hattaya Bamrungsuk as the Pool 11 hosts dropped to 2-5 in the competition, the same record as their opponents

Marte unwittingly pulled off the shot of the match midway through the second set when Kokram hit a thunderbolt of a spike directly at the Dominican Republic setter.

Marte did not have time to react as the ball hit her flush in the face, knocking her to the court, but ricocheted over the net for an incredible winner as her teammates mobbed her.