MATCH INFO

Hiroshima, Japan, November 9, 2011 - Press Conference, Japan vs Dominican Republic: Hosts Japan beat the Dominican Republic in a match that was more difficult than the score indicated. Yukiko Ebata, who was rested in the previous game against Algeria, was in great form.

Japan coach Masayosi Manabe: The Dominicans controlled the game in the beginning of each set, but we managed to change that from from the middle and end, and as a result we did well in the game overall.

On Nana Iwasaka (who had four blocks): Through the World Grand Prix our blocking had been a challenge, but we’re getting better and better. We are focusing on serving because if we serve well, then opponents can’t attack quickly. Against this Dominican team, number 18 [Bethania De La Cruz de Peña] is a strong attacker, so we paid much attention to her and studied her well.

On Yukiko Ebata, who rested the previous day: I didn’t give her any special advice today. Maybe she had a good rest yesterday, and that resulted in a strong match today.

Japan player Nana Iwasaka: The centre was passing well to me, so things worked out well. We have two wins from yesterday and today, so we’d like to keep that going and continue to do our best.

On previous difficulty blocking: In the game against China I blocked number one [Wang Yimei], and that gave me confidence. Today I was mainly focusing on making good passes and creating good situations for the rest of the team through my blocking. Of course I would like to improve further if I can.

Japan player Yukiko Ebata: I rested yesterday and watched my teammates play. As a started today I just did all I could do.

On resting yesterday: I had a chance to watch [Saori] Sakoda, and she had good spikes, and that inspired me a lot. So I did my best today. In the first set I felt ok, but in the second they were blocking and adjusted well. So I had to change up things and attack a little differently.

Dominican coach Marcos Kweik: Today’s match was a little different than the others we have played. Maybe because Japan’s blocking and serving was very strong. They scored many points on serving and and blocking. Japan played really well - serving, defence, receiving, all were good. They didn’t let us play our game.

On Brenda Castillo returning after disciplinary action: I wanted to make a change for us as a team, because our receiving is a little weak. I think she’s one of the best liberos in the world, so we wanted to improve our defense by bringing her in.

Dominican Republic captain Milagros Cabral de la Cruz: Japan's serve was excellent, and we just play our game or do anything against it. They wouldn’t let us play our combination.