Japan edges Dominican Republic in epic match
WALBRZYCH, Poland, June 13, 2018 – It was all smiles in the end
for Japan who started well but left it late to beat the
Dominican Republic in a tense fifth set 3-2 (25-15, 14-25,
21-25, 29-27, 15-13). Japan are an all-round team, but today
Sarina Koga stepped up to be the shining light in attack,
complimenting their impressive defensive display. With that win,
Japan avoided becoming the first nation to lose 300 matches at
world level, and move ahead one more in wins to 328.
With setter Koyomi Tominaga controlling proceedings her
attackers shone for large spells and when it mattered.
Demonstrated by each one of her attacking players reaching
double figures: Mai Okumura (10), Mami Uchiseto (10), Risa
Shinnabe (14) and Nana Iwasaka (15). But top of the pile was
Koga with 24 attacks from 66 attempts – many of these as the
sets drew to a close.
Coach Kumi Nakada will be really happy with how this match
panned out, especially after yesterdays disappointing loss
against the home side. This win also brings her side up to W7-L7
matches in the 2018 VNL.
Coach Marcos Kwiek will have expected his team to have got the
job done in the fourth set, but it was not to be. They will take
pride from their performance, actually finishing with one more
point in total than the eventual winners (105-104) after 2 and a
half hours of action. Yonkaira Paola Peña Isabel was their top
scorer taking 28 points across all aspects of the game and
regularly achieving spikes of over 100 kmph. The “Queens of the
Caribbean” have now lost their last seven matches, with their
last five being in straight sets.
With Japan in 10th place (W6-L7) before the match and the
Dominican Republic down in 14th position (W2-L11), both were
already out of contention of reaching the Finals so this was all
about pride. The Dominican Republic have won only three of their
previous 18 major world level encounters with Japan, but one of
those wins came in their most recent meeting in last year's FIVB
World Grand Prix.
In the final day tomorrow at Hala Widowiskovo-Sportowa the
Dominican Republic will face hosts Poland while Japan take on
Russia. |