Netherlands stay in contention in the FIVB World Grand Prix Finals with a 3-2 win over China
Bangkok, Thailand, July 7, 2016 – The Netherlands powered their way to beat China and record their first victory, while Brazil delivered another match sweep in the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals at Indoor Stadium Huamark on Thursday.
The Netherlands kept their hopes alive for a top four spot, following their 3-2 victory over China. Lonneke Sloetjes posted 31 markers, including 25 spikes, five blocks and an ace to help the Dutch side earn their first victory in the final round. Anne Buijs chipped in 21 markers, while two other players – Quinta Steenbergen and Robin de Kruijf – scored in double digits.
The United States still lead Pool K1 standings with an unbeaten record at 1-0, while the Netherlands have a 1-1 win-loss card followed by China with a 0-1 record. The Netherlands’ fate will be decided whether they will advance to the top four, when USA and China face each other on the final day of group play on Friday.
Meanwhile, Brazil maintained their top form, as they defeated Russia in straight sets. The South Americans won both of their matches in straight sets that placed them on top of the Pool J1 standings.
Sheilla Castro, Thaisa Menezes, Natalia Pereira and Fernanda Rodrigues combined for more than half of the Brazilian point output in the match. Sheilla topped all scorers with 14 points, while Nataliya Goncharova was Russia’s lone double-digit scorer with 12 points.
The Brazilians dictated the tempo throughout the match, which guaranteed a place for them in the semifinals. Russia are in the second spot, while hosts Thailand are in last place. Russia and Thailand will play the decider in Pool J1 on Friday.
Top Scorer by Day
31 – Lonneke Sloetjes of Netherlands v China on July 7
23 – Natalia Pereira of Brazil v Thailand on July 6
Top Scoring Performances
31 – Lonneke Sloetjes of Netherlands v China on July 7
23 – Natalia Pereira of Brazil v Thailand on July 6
Top Individual Serving Performances
5 – Yvon Belien of Netherlands v USA on July 6
Top Team Serving Performances
9 – Netherlands v China on July 7
7 – Netherlands v USA on July 6
Top Individual Blocking Performances
5 – Lonneke Sloetjes of Netherlands v Brazil on July 7
4 – Fernanda Rodrigues of Brazil v Thailand on July 6
Top Team Blocking Performances
15 – Brazil v Russia on July 7
11 – Brazil v Thailand on July 6
Highest Scoring Sets
26-24 – Brazil v Thailand on July 6
25-23 – China v Netherlands on July 7
Highest Scoring Matches
199 – Netherlands v China 3-2 (23-25, 25-14, 19-25, 25-20, 15-8) on July 7
136 – USA v Netherlands 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-23) on July 6