German team celebrates after defeating the Dominican Republic in straight sets
Montreux Switzerland, May 28, 2014 - Germany defeated Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-21) in Pool B of the Montreux Volley Masters in Pierrier Omnisport Hall on Wednesday.
Germany encountered some problems at the beginning of the second and third sets but that did not stop Heike Beier from scoring 14 points that made the difference in the crucial parts of both sets. Dominican Republic's Altagarcia Mambru Casillia topped all scorers with 16 points.
Both teams started prudently in the first set, as either team could not get a significant league to dominate the game. The Germans were able to put pressure on Marcos Kwiek's players as setter Kathleen Weiss directed good plays to take the lead and eventually win the set 25-21.
The Dominicans played better in the second set and built a commanding lead 8-3. Germany coach Giovanni Guidetti felt the pressure and reacted fast by changing their game plan by making key substitutions. The plan worked out right as the Dominican Republic struggled and lost their rhythm. Germany took advantage of this Domincan setback and tied the score until they secured the set 25-20.The Germans started slowly in the third set while the Dominicans fought hard to gain an early lead. Dominican Republic's Elizabeth Martinez Brayelin found the right lanes to score that increased their lead further 9-3. Guidetti kept his composure and instructed his players to push forward. The Germans got back into their rhythm and dominated the third set 25-21.
"We are very glad we won in three sets," said Kathleen Weiss, who played a strong game. "Even if we started slowly in the second and third sets, our winning spirit helped us to fight back."
With one victory and one defeat, the Germans can still reach the semifinals.
"We want to qualify for the semifinals as it would be the first time in (our) history."
Germany will be facing Japan on Friday, May 30.