Nagoya, Japan, October 8, 2018 - Lonneke Sloetjes scored a match-high 23 points as the Netherlands remained unbeaten with a 3-0 victory over the Dominican Republic (25-19, 25-16, 25-14) at the FIVB Women's World Championship on Monday afternoon.
Anne Buijs had 13 points and Maret Balkestein-Grothues eight in the win for the Dutch.
Yonkaira Isabel was the top scorer for the Dominican Republic in the loss with 10 points.
The Netherlands entered the match with a 6-0 record, while the Dominican Republic was 3-3.
The Dutch attack proved too much for the Dominicans on this day as they passed and set the ball with fluidity. They also did well on reception and counterattack.
The Dominican Republic was unable to mount a challenge or get together a run of several points throughout the contest.
The opening set was close all the way with neither team able to open up a significant lead. Sloetjes hammered a spike to put the Netherlands ahead 21-18. The Dutch quickly took the set 25-19.
Brayelin Martinez fired a spike long as the Dutch led 8-3 at the first TTO in the second set. A big block by Anne Bujis made it 11-6 for the Netherlands. The Dutch retained a comfortable margin throughout the set. De La Cruz connected for a spike to make it 21-15, but the Dominicans were unable to get back in the set. The Netherlands claimed the set 25-16 on a service ace.
A nice option play resulted in a spike for Sloetjes and the Dutch went up 4-2 in the third set. Sloetjes fired an ace and the Netherlands took an 8-3 lead into the first TTO. The Dutch lead ballooned to 16-6 at the second TTO as the Dominican defense became more porous. The Netherlands scored quickly and ended it 25-14.