Dominican Republic release Tokyo roster

After achieving its best-ever FIVB Volleyball Nations League result with a sixth-place finish in 2021, the Dominican Republic women’s national team has determined the players that will represent the country at the Tokyo Olympics.

Head coach Marcos Kwiek used the VNL and a training period following the event back in Santo Domingo to select the players he will be taking to Tokyo. His list includes two liberos, Brenda Castillo and Larysmer Martinez, and six members from the country’s 2012 Olympic roster.

Castillo, setter Niverka Marte, outside hitters Prisilla Rivera and Bethania De La Cruz and middle blockers Annerys Vargas and Lisvel Eve are the players who helped the team finish ninth in London nine years ago. Prisilla, who’s the team captain and will be the country’s flag bearer in the Olympic Opening Ceremony, and Vargas, also played at the Athens 2004 Olympics.

Veteran opposite Gina Mambru, who was also part of the Dominican squad at London 2012 and recently played in the VNL, wasn’t selected by Kwiek.

The Dominicans are headed to Tokyo 15 days ahead of their debut in the Olympics against reigning world champions Serbia. The other teams in Pool A are Brazil, Japan, Kenya and Korea.

Dominican Republic’s Olympic Roster

· Setters – Niverka Marte, Camil Dominguez

· Opposites – Brayelin Martines, Gaila Gonzalez

· Outside Hitters – Prisilla Rivera, Bethania De La Cruz, Yonkaira Pena

· Middle Blockers – Lisvel Eve, Annerys Vargas, Jineiry Martinez

· Liberos – Brenda Castillo, Larysmer Martinez