Montreux, Switzerland, May 15, 2015 - The “Oranjes” sweep the young team from the “Middle Kingdom” to make star coach Giovanni Guidetti the present of a happy start into his new job as national coach.
A new era was about to start for the Dutch women’s national team: with the signing of the Italian star coach Giovanni Guidetti, who led Germany to silver medals at two consecutive CEV European Championships, the last one on home soil – and the coach of the Turkish top side VakifBank ISTANBUL was poised to make a great debut in the opening game of the 30th Montreux Volley Masters.
The young team from the “Middle Kingdom”, on the other hand, were eager to challenge the “Oranje” in order to prove that the huge opener win over the Dominican Republic wasn’t just a strike of luck.
The Dutch, however, started very strong into the first set – even though they couldn’t count on star player Robin de Kruif from VakifBank Istanbul in their game roster. The Chinese youngsters, on the other hand, just were overwhelmed by the strong spikes by the Oranje - most of all Lonneke Sloetjes overran the Chinese Wall. Giovanni Guidetti’s squad booked one winner after another – and eventually scooped the opening set 25-18.
China found better into the game in the second set – coach Jiande Xu was able to calm his youngsters down. The team from the “Middle Kingdom” were able to improve their game to put more pressure on the Europeans by an incredible defensive game – but China’s rising stars weren’t able to handle the pressure and gave away the huge opportunity to close the set at 23-23. The Dutch, however, didn’t need a second invitation and answered with 26-24.
But nobody expected what was about to happen in the third set. The young team from China proved their cold-bloodedness after trailing 22-24 to tie the set. The two teams sent the spectators in the stands now into the hysterics with some heart-stopping rallies. The Dutch, however, eventually took advantage of their experience: setter Dijekema ended the game with a beautiful feint to 29-27 and made new coach Giovanni Guidetti the present of an opening sweep in the jersey of the Netherlands.
Nevertheless, a big boulder awaits the Dutch team tomorrow as Giovanni Guidetti and his “Oranje” play Team Russia; no doubt, one of the biggest hurdles at this year’s Montreux Volley Masters. The aspiring team from the Netherlands has got the chance now to prove their potential versus the number 7 of the FIVB World Ranking.