Russia extends streak against Dominican Republic
WALBRZYCH, Poland, June 12, 2018 - Russia preserved their
longest unbeaten run (14 matches) against any nation by downing
the Dominican Republic in straight sets 3-0 (25-21, 25-20,
25-16).
Secured in large parts by the serving of their captain Ekaterina
Lyubushkina and their powerhouse Irina Voronkova through the
wings. After the match Voronkova expressed her delight at
getting back into winning ways but knows there will be sterner
tests to come, this weekend and beyond.
Pankov Vadim’s side may have lost all three games in the last
round of matches, but that was not evident as this win takes
them to position 7 and a VNL record of W7-L6. In a rare
situation for a winning team, no player reached double figures
in points, with Anna Kotikova Olga Biryukova and captain
Lyubushkina all scoring 9. Kotikova noticeably playing her way
into the starting team for the 3rd set after some impressive
scoring off the bench in the first two.
With the Dominican Republic not registering any aces (compared
to the 5 scored by Russia), and 74% of their serves being able
to be passed to the preferred setting position the signs are
there that the service pressure for the losing side was not
tough enough. Russia also nearly doubled the attack points of
their opponent (43-26).
Dominican Republic have now lost their last 5 matches (W2-L11)
and it proved an uphill battle for the “Queens of the Caribbean”
throughout. A special mention must go to Brayelin Elizabeth
Martinez, as she passed the 200 VNL points mark (now on 208
points), who proved she is so much more than a points finisher,
spectacularly keeping the ball in play on a number of
occasions.
Russia dominated this match from
start to finish, despite having a team that in terms of average
appearances for their country was vastly less experienced - 21
caps compared to 116. They will be learning with every match and
tomorrow take on hosts Poland at the Hala Widowiskowo-Sportowa,
while Dominican Republic will face Japan earlier in the day. |