Nika Daalderop: Changing course to make VNL semifinals

As the Netherlands placed themselves in position to vie for a berth in the Final Four of the 2021 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League, Nika Daalderop has been a stalwart of her side throughout their efforts in the first 3 Weeks of the competition.

With three wins in their last three matches, the Dutch are currently fourth in the standings, heading into Week 4, on par with Brazil and Japan at 7-2 and very much in the chase of table leaders USA (9-0) and Turkey (8-1).

"Three out of three in Week 3 - I'm really proud of our team. We are here with a pretty new and young squad and I'm really proud of the way we fight and how we are on the court, so I'm really happy," said Daalderop after the Netherlands' latest success against Canada.

And the key to these wins? "Mentality and fighting spirit," says the 22-year-old outside hitter, who sits in ninth place in the list of the tournament's best scorers after nine matches with 137 points.

But she's not too concerned about all that.

"I don't care about my individual standing," said Daalderop. "It's all about team effort and I'm just happy about how we play, how everyone contributes."

Setting out for this year's VNL, it was all about gaining experience for the Dutch. But now another goal is in sight.

"We have said before that we want as many games as possible, but now I think we can go for more. We didn't know what was realistic and how far we could go, but now we can say that our goal is to reach the Final Four and play for a medal. Hopefully."