The Netherlands celebrate the final point against Russia in their straight-set win to claim the bronze medal of the Montreux Volley Masters 2015
Montreux, Switzerland, May 31, 2015 – The Netherlands made a third place finish at the 30th edition of the Montreux Volley Masters after their 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-21) victory over the Netherlands at the Pierrier Sports Hall on Sunday.
The Netherlands’ Lonneke Sloetjes, who showed a huge game against the Russians, scored 16 points, while Anastasia Bavykina scored 13 markers for Russia.
Netherlands were able to take the upper hand with a persistent game in the first set. Both squads almost had an equal showing of their athleticism and style of play that manifested in their blocks. Russia stayed close to the Netherlands’ lead within two to three points but a big block by Sloetjes closed the set 25-21.
The Dutch run continued in the second set as they were unrelentingly focused to outplay their opponents on the attack. The Russians, however, lacked punch in their block, which allowed the Dutch to score a number of block-out points and the eventual takeover in the second set 25-21.
Netherlands also led in the third set as Russia still struggled to find their rhythm. Sloetjes and Anne Buijs powered the Dutch plays and secured the 25-21 set and match victory for the bronze medal. Russia finished fourth in the competition.