Dominicans looking for improvement against Russia

· These teams have met only once in the World Grand Prix. In 2009, Russia beat Dominican Republic in five sets.

· Russia also beat Dominican Republic at the 2012 London Olympic Games (3-1).

· Almost half of Dominican's World Grand Prix wins came against CEV sides (12 of 25).

· Maria De La Cruz will celebrate her 19th birthday on the day of the match.

· Dominican Republic started out their 2015 WGP campaign with a 3-0 defeat against China.

· For the third straight season, Dominican Republic have dropped their opener in the World Grand Prix.

· Combined with last season, Dominican Republic have lost six in a row in the World Grand Prix. The last time they lost seven in a row was in 2012.

· Maria De La Cruz will celebrate her 19th birthday on the day of the match.

· Just like last year, Russia have started out this World Grand Prix campaign with a victory.

· Russia have started out with a victory in seven of their last eight WGP participations. The exception was 2013 in which their opening match resulted in a loss.

· Last year, Russia also won their second match, before losing their third.

· Nataliya Goncharova was Russia's top scorer against Germany. She contributed 19 of Russia's 99 points, leading the team in both spikes (15), kill blocks (3) and being one of three players to produce an ace on serve.