Paul Carroll led the Australian side on the attack to come up with a straight-set win over the Netherlands in the bronze medal match in Group 2 of the FIVB Volleyball World League
Gold Coast, Australia, June 25, 2017 – Paul Carroll helped Australia claim a straight-set (29-27, 25-19, 28-26) win over the Netherlands to finish third in Group 2 of the FIVB Volleyball World League at Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium on Sunday.
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Latest VideosFacebookTwitterInstagramMedia GuidesCarroll had a solid stint from the attack line and scored 16 kills out of his 18-point total output. The Australian captain also helped out on defence with two blocks.
His teammate Luke Smith finished
the match with 12 points, delivering some points in crucial plays. The
Netherlands’ Jasper Diefenbach and Wouter Ter Maat had 14 points each.
Australia opened the match with a 3-0 lead, coming from an ace and two blocks. The Australians defended well at the net and forced Netherlands coach Gido Vermeulen to call timeout. The Dutch got a good break and scored on their attacks, while the other side suffered on turnovers. The succeeding plays were contested point by point, which resulted in an extended set. At 27-all, Nathan Roberts fired an ace and Smith deflected an attack to give Australia the first set win at 29-27.
Australia continued with their impressive run on offence in the second set that gave them a comfortable lead against the Netherlands. Even though the European side had some brilliant plays, the Australians kept their momentum going to extend the lead at 20-15. Carroll contributed in the latter plays to secure the second straight set win for Australia at 25-19.
The Netherlands started off strong in the third set and guarded their side with great blocks to lead 14-11. Australia found the hole in their rivals’ defence and put more pressure on the attack to stay within striking distance. A block by Australia tied the score, until Carroll’s right flank swing gave them the lead 20-19. Fabian Plak’s entry gave the Dutch side an awesome spin to their offence and defence, which allowed them to make a comeback. However, Carroll’s presence in the Australian frontline helped the team secure set and match 28-26.