Nagoya, Japan, October 7, 2018 - Lonneke Sloetjes scored 12 points as the Netherlands remained unbeaten with a 3-0 victory (25-16, 25-15, 25-20) over Puerto Rico in the second round of the FIVB Women's World Championship on Sunday afternoon.
Yvon Belien and Anne Buijs added 11 points each in the triumph.
Daly Santana was the high scorer for Puerto Rico with 11 points.
The Netherlands entered the match with a 5-0 record, while Puerto Rico was 2-3.
The Dutch played solidly in the comprehensive win, serving, blocking and attack well.
Puerto Rico struggled with reception at times and was unable to contend with the power of their opponents.
The Dutch took the initiative in the first set and led 16-11 behind a strong attack and block. The Netherlands easily claimed the set 25-16 with Sloetjes scoring seven points.
A spike by Maret Balkestein-Grothues put the Dutch ahead 8-2 at the first TTO in the second set. The Netherlands passed and served well while maintaining control of the set. A spike by Neira Ortiz pulled Puerto Rico within four at 17-13. The Dutch used good sets to repeately facilitate attacks and score as they took the set 25-15.
The third set was level at 5-5 before the Netherlands ran off three straight to lead 8-5 at the first TTO. The Dutch retained a comfortable margin and made it 13-8 on a service ace by Celeste Plak. A nice block by Ortiz brought the Puerto Ricans within two at 13-11, but they could not overtake their foes. A block by Belien gave the Dutch match point at 24-20 and they closed it out 25-20.