USA overcome tough Netherlands for second win

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, August 9, 2016 – The United States overcame a resilient Netherlands side to claim their second victory in Pool A of the women’s volleyball tournament at Rio 2016 Olympic Games with a five-set 3-2 (18-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-20, 15-8) decision on Monday. 

Foluke Akinradewo scored three points in the tie-breaker –one spike, one block and one ace- to lead the winners charge at the most crucial moment of the big battle.The victory improved USA win-loss record to 2-0 and dropped Netherlands to 1-1.

Lefty Kelly Murphy with 18 points led four American players with double figures. Akinradewo and Jordan Larson concluded with 15 points each, while Kimberly Hill contributed 14 in the victory.

Dutch Lonneke Sloetjes had a match-high 21 points, 20 in attacks, while Robin DeKruijf had 15, including five blocks, and Anne Buijs and Yvon Belien finished with 11 and 10, respectively.

Also, Serbia defeated a spirited Puerto Rico in straight sets 3-0 (29-27, 25-18, 25-20) for their second victory in as many outings in Pool B.

Brankica Mihajlovic and Jovana Brakocevic scored 16 and 13 points, respectively, as the offensive Serbian leaders in the match, while Milena Rasic had four of the eight blocks by the winners.

Karina Ocasio had 16 points, including two blocks and two aces, as the best player for the Puerto Rican side. Aury Cruz added 9 points in the loss.