Steady Italians see off plucky Dominican Republic

Italy continue to impress at the Women’s Olympic Qualification Tournament in Japan, a 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-23) win against a plucky Dominican Republic team confirming it is the front runner for one of four Olympic tickets on offer this week.

While Italy can start thinking about Rio, for the Dominican Republic an improved performance against the Europeans does not make its chances of Olympic qualification any easier.

After a disappointing start to the tournament, the Dominican Republic opened the match like a team with nothing to lose. 19-year-old Brayelin Martinez, at 201cms surely one of the most exciting prospects in the world, was tormenting the Italians.

Italy once again elected to start Paola Egonu on the bench, and this time there was no need to rush her into the game early as captain Antonella Del Core continued her excellent tournament, and Serena Ortolani returned to her form of the opening day.

Despite much bravado, the Dominicans …

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