VNL Week 2: Dominican Republic stuns Japan for breakthrough win

Geraldine Sthefany González of Dominican Republic celebrates a point against Japan in the VNL Women’s Week 2 action in Pasig City. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Dominican Republic finally broke through in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League, stunning erstwhile unbeaten Japan, 17-25, 25-20, 28-26, 25-23, on Saturday at PhilSports Arena.

World No. 12 Dominican Republic, winless in its first six outings, produced its best performance of the tournament to pull off an upset against one of the tournament leaders.

Flormarie Heredia led the charge with 17 points, 16 off attacks, while Jineiry Martinez added 14 and Yonkaira Paola Peña chipped in 13 as the Dominicans showed they belonged in the Pasig City leg.

Geraldine Sthefany González and Alondra Tapia contributed 11 points each for the Dominicans.

Dominican Republic’s Flormarie Heredia in action vs Japan in the VNL Women’s Week 2. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Japan, which entered the match tied for the lead with Brazil, suffered its first defeat in seven matches.

Yukiko Wada topped Japan with 17 points, all from attacks, while Yoshino Sato added 16. Ayane Kitamado and Haruyo Shimamura chipped in 14 each.

Japan closes its Week 2 campaign on Sunday against world No. 1 and defending champion Italy, which is looking to rebound from a straight-sets loss to the United States.

The Dominican Republic, meanwhile, tries to build on the breakthrough win against Czechia, which holds a 3-4 record but is still chasing its first Week Two victory.

The top eight teams after the nine-leg preliminary phase advance to the Finals in Macau.