On Sunday, 28 September 2014, the Dominican Republic defeated Italy (15-25, 25-16, 21-25, 25-16 and 8-15) to win all five matches in the first round of the FIVB World Volleyball Championship.
In keeping with his tradition of Sunday surprise visits, President Danilo Medina dropped in on the team in Rome to personally congratulate each player and take “selfies” with the group.
President Medina was in Rome to attend the opening session of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) meetings in the Italian capital.
“You are doing what was never done before,” Medina told the volleyball team members, echoing the motto of his presidential campaign two years ago. “You have been able to defeat stronger opponents.”
As reported, the players were caught by surprise when President Medina made his appearance. He encouraged them to continue battling, remain focused and giving their best to win the women’s volleyball world championship.
President Medina also took opportunity to congratulate Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, president of the women’s national teams program with a warm hug for his dedication and laudable work.
The DR is now one of 16 teams (of 24 initially) that will play the second round of the FIVB World Championship. The DR finished the five-match first-round round robin winning all five of the matches in Pool A. The DR finished second to Italy (4-1), nevertheless, due to being extended to five sets on three occasions that reduced their standings points to 12, one shy of Italy. The DR defeated Italy on 15-25, 25-16, 21-25, 25-16 and 8-15 on Sunday, 28 September 2014.
Earlier, the DR defeated Germany (3-2), Tunisia (3-0), Croatia (3-2), Argentina (3-1) and Italy (3-2).
The DR will now play Pool E competing against China, Italy, Japan, Belgium, Croatia, Azerbaijan and Germany. Its first game will be on 1 October against Belgium.
http://italy2014.fivb.org/en/news/dominican-republic-win-third-tie-break-in?id=49806
http://italy2014.fivb.org/en/news/president-medina-visits-dominican-compatriots-in-italy?id=49814