Germany endured a tight four-set clash against Germany to finish in fifth place
Montreux, Switzerland, May 30, 2015 – World No. 9 Germany proved too strong for the Dominican Republic with a 3-1 (25-19, 27-29, 26-24, 28-26) victory in the classification match for fifth place of the Montreux Volley Masters at the Pierrier Sports Hall on Saturday.
Germany’s Louisa Lippmann and Saskia Hippe contributed 16 points apiece, while Dominican Republic’s Jineiry Martinez scored 14 points.
Germany kept the upper hand on offence over Dominican Republic with 55-32 attacks and 6-4 aces. However, they committed more errors than the Dominicans, who also dominated at the net with 23 block kills.
Germany showed that they wanted to conclude their 12th appearance in the Montreux Volley Masters on a high note as middle blocker Wiebke Silge and her team-mates displayed excellent team spirit. Germany coach Luciano Pedulla replaced starting setter Mareen Apitz with Denise Hanke, who quickly set up a powerful offensive game to outclass their opponents. Silge ended the first set 25-19 in Germany’s favour.
Dominican Republic showed great fighting spirit in the second set that carried them at the end of the second set. Dominican Republic tied the score at 23-all after trailing Germany the entire set. Germany still had chance to conclude in three instances but eventually lost courage and confidence. The Dominican block suddenly became impenetrable for the German spikes. Significantly, Dominican Republic concluded the set with a block winner 29-27.
Germany kept the set under control at 23-19, but later on struggled in the deciding stages of the set. Germany retained their composure to pull a little bit and a fault by Dominican Republic’s Martinez gave away the third set to Germany 26-24.
Dominican Republic had the upper hand at 22-19 in the fourth set until Germany scored four consecutive points to snatch the lead 23-22. Dominican Republic saved two match balls at 24-23 and 26-25 but could not prevent the Europeans from closing the set and match at 28-26.