Brazil to meet Dominican Republic ahead of crucial season

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 27, 2016 – The Brazil women’s team will take on the Dominican Republic on Friday in their first match of the year as the world No.3 prepare for the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

They will also clash with the same side on Sunday, with both matches set to take place in São José dos Pinhais and broadcast live on SporTV webcast.

"It's great to play with the national team in my city. I am very happy to have the presence of my family and my friends at the gym. We're working hard and see the group focused on the goals," said setter Roberta, who is originally from the region.

Libero Camila Brait says the Dominican Republic will provide a good test, especially with coach Marcos Kwiek originally from Brazil.

"The Dominican Republic has a Brazilian coach (Kwiek) that knows our players,” she said. “It will be good to test the group and the Dominicans always play well against Brazil. 

“I hope that the public attend in good numbers to encourage us.”

Brazil coach Jose Roberto “Ze Roberto” Guimaraes emphasized the importance of friendlies in preparation for Brazil’s season.

"In June we start to play the Grand Prix and these two friendlies will serve as preparation and to see the performance of the players and how they will respond to training performed,” Ze Roberto explained. “This is the feedback that we have all the preparation we have done so far.

 

"It's great to play in Sao Jose dos Pinhais. Paraná always had an important participation in the national volleyball scene with great teams, players and coaches who are passionate about sport. We expect a good share of the Paraná public we always honoured.”

Despite missing out on qualification for Rio 2016, the Dominicans have had strong international results in recent years, finishing fifth at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup 2015 as well as sealing the FIVB Volleyball Women’s U20 World Championship for the first time in 2015.