In a keenly contested `Low Countries derby` held during the third week of the Volleyball Nations League 2025, the Netherlands women`s national team secured a pivotal 3-1 victory against their regional counterparts, Belgium. Played out in Apeldoorn, this match was more than just a rivalry contest; it represented a critical juncture for the Dutch team`s ambition to reach the VNL Finals.
With the advantage of playing before an energetic home crowd at the Omnisport Stadium, the Netherlands navigated a challenging match to emerge victorious with set scores of 26-24, 25-22, 22-25, and 25-22. The encounter saw both teams exchange competitive blows, with the Netherlands demonstrating resilience, particularly after dropping the third set, to close out the win in the fourth.
A standout aspect of the Netherlands` performance was the strategic execution facilitated by setter Sarah van Aalen. Her effective ball distribution was instrumental, leading to an impressive five Dutch players recording double-digit points. Captain Nika Daalderop was the leading scorer for the Netherlands with 18 points. She was supported significantly by outside hitter Helena Kok (14 points), opposite Elles Dambrink (12), and middle blockers Britte Stuut (12) and Suus Gerritsen (11).
For Suus Gerritsen, who knows the Apeldoorn venue well from her time playing for local club Draisma Dynamo, the victory held special significance. She expressed her happiness playing before the home fans and commended the team`s character in recovering their composure after the third set. Gerritsen highlighted the intensity of the match, acknowledging Belgium`s strong effort throughout.
Despite the loss, the Belgian side showcased promising talent. 17-year-old outside hitter Liese Verhelst, making her first VNL start, notably led the team`s offense with 17 points (16 kills, one block). Opposite Pauline Martin contributed 12 points (ten kills, two aces), while middle blockers Nathalie Lemmens and Anna Koulberg each added 10 points.
Crucially, this win significantly bolstered the Netherlands` position in the VNL standings. The three points earned propelled them three places up, from 12th to ninth, with a record of five victories and 13 points. This result narrows the gap to teams currently occupying Finals spots, such as seventh-placed Germany (five wins, 16 points) and eighth-placed United States (five wins, 14 points), thereby keeping the prospect of qualifying for the Finals in Łódź distinctly in sight. Belgium currently sits lower in the standings at 14th place.
This derby was part of a busy schedule in Apeldoorn, which also featured a compelling match earlier in the day where reigning Olympic and VNL champions Italy defeated world champions Serbia in straight sets.
As the preliminary phase of the VNL 2025 progresses, the Netherlands` hard-fought victory over Belgium underscores their determination and capability to challenge for a top-eight position, setting the stage for an intriguing climax to their tournament campaign.
