World No. 1 Brazil shut out the Dominican Republic 3-0 to advance to its third consecutive semifinals appearance at the FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship in Milan, Italy on Friday.

The recent World Grand Prix champions Brazil jumped out to an early lead 5-1 in the first set with team captain Fabiano Claudino at the helm.

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Elizabeth Martinez and Bethania De La Cruz tried to stage a comeback but Claudino was on fire, scoring six attack points and a service ace to lift Brazil past the Dominicans 25-19.

Brazil kept its momentum in the second set as they led 16-10 mid-way. Dominican coach Marcos Kwiek called a timeout while down 16-23 but it didn't help much as Brazil's block proved to be a fortress in their second set conquest.

The third set started out even as both teams would not let up on their serves but after the second technical timeout, Brazil moved to a five-point lead, thanks to the tough serves that bewildered Dominican passers.

But the Brazilian's would not be denied of their quest for a first Gold medal in the event as they proved their strength in plays and spikes that ended the Dominican Republic's dream  of a first semifinals appearance 25-19, 25-21, 25-17.

Sheilla Castro De Paula led Brazil with 13 points and captain Claudino contributed with 12 points while team captain De La Cruz and Prisilla Rivera Brens both scored eight points to top the Dominicans.

"We are happy to reach the semi-finals," Brazil captain Claudino said. "We played well and we worked very hard for this. We served hard and everything came out the way we planned it."

Good news for China as the Brazilians eliminated the Dominican Republic, thanks to a five-set win of China over the Dominicans in their Thursday's matchup.

Both Brazil and China has moved on to the semifinals with Brazil taking on the United States while China will battle it out against host nation Italy for a chance at the Gold.

TagsBethania De La Cruz, Fabiano Claudino, Sheilla Castro De Paula