BANGKOK – The Netherlands pulled off a come from behind victory over Russia, 18-25, 23-25, 30-28, 25-21, 15-9, on Sunday to salvage the bronze medal in the 2016 FIVB World Women’s Grand Prix at Huamark Indoor Stadium.
Lonneke Slöetjes led the way for the Dutch with 24 points from 21 spikes and three blocks, Anne Bujis added 19 markers, Judith Pietersen chipped in 15 and Robin de Krujif finished with 12.
“We were down 0-2 but we knew we could have played a better volleyball, we understood that we can still improve our game today and I think we can have a little chance,” said Netherlands coach Giovanni Guidetti.
“And then we won the second set 30-28 so if Russia scored another point and win another point they win 3-0 but good that my players improved a little bit and hold on to that little chance,” added the Italian coach.
Nataliya Goncharova had 29 points, 24 from attacks, for Russia.
China took fifth place, beating Thailand, 25-23, 25-23, 25-12.
Xinyue Yuan scored 13 points from eight kills, six blocks and one service ace, while Xiaotong Liu and Chunlei Zeng had 10 markers apiece for China.
The Chinese had 18 blocks against only two by Thailand.
Malika Kanthong registered 13 points, Ajcharaporn Kongyot added 11 and skipper Luemjit Thinkaow had nine for Thailand.
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