Gina Mambru helped the Dominican Republic to gain their first win in the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup at the Yoyogi National Stadium on Sunday
Mambru topped all scorers with 17 points, while Kenyan scoring ace Mercy Moim scored 15 points. The Dominicans fared well against the Kenyans in blocks and serves, but edged the latter in attacks 50-37.
Dominican Republic jumped to a 4-1 lead in the first set but Kenya were quick to react to bridge the gap 5-4. Kenya grabbed the lead from a service ace at the first technical timeout 8-7. A close contest ensued but Dominican Republic got a good final break to gain a two-point advantage at the end of the first set 28-26.
Kenya continuously gave Dominican Republic a hard time in the second set as they retaliated in every play that kept the score close, until the African squad gained a three-point advantage 20-17. Dominican Republic scored the next three points for a tied ballgame at 20-all until they reached a slim cushion to take another set 26-24. Dominican Republic controlled the tempo and led throughout the third set to complete the sweep 25-17.