Japan defeats Dominican Republic in straight sets

MONTREUX, Switzerland, May 29, 2014 – Japan defeated Dominican Republic 3-0 (28-26, 25-19, 25-23) to claim their first victory in Pool B at the Montreux Volley Masters on Thursday.

The Japanese outscored the Dominicans 8-6 in blocks and 4-1 in aces to even up their record at 1-1 while the losers fell to 0-2.

Yuka Imamura was the winners’ most productive player with 17 points followed by Arisa Takada with 13. Miyuki Hiramatsu contributed 11 points, including four blocks, in the victory.

Brayelin Martinez and Yonkaira Peña charted in 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the Dominican side.

Earlier, China stormed past Switzerland 25-16, 25-22, 25-13 in a match of Pool A at the Montreux Volley Maters.

It was the second victory against one loss for the Asian team while the Swiss side is winless in two outings.

China’s Zhu Ting had 14 points, including four blocks, while Zeng Chunlei and Liu Xiaotong each contributed 12 points in the victory. Sarah Van Rooij tallied 11 points for Switzerland.

In another match of Pool A, Russia held off a high-spirited Brazil winning a five-set marathon 35-33, 25-20, 26-28, 20-25, 15-11 to even up its record at 1-1 while the losers dropped to 2-1.

Natalia Malykh and Iulia Kutiukova finished with 25 and 23 points, respectively for Russia. Brazil’s Gabriela Guimaraes had a match-high 29 points while Natalia Pereira and Tandara Caixeta added 23 and 20 points in the losing cause.