The Chinese women’s volleyball team players celebrate scoring during the 2023 Volleyball Nations League match against the Netherlands in Nagoya, Japan on June 3, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

NAGOYA, Japan - China fought off a hard challenge from the Netherlands to win their third successive FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League match in Nagoya on Saturday.

China beat the Netherlands 3-1 (27-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-20) to improve to eight points, behind leaders Poland and second-placed Japan on point ratios

China beat the European side 3-1 (27-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-20) to improve to eight points, behind leaders Poland and second-placed Japan on point ratios.

They will meet Japan in their last match on Sunday before the eight Pool 2 teams move to Hong Kong for the second phase of competition.

Japan also maintain an unbeaten record after claiming a 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-19) victory over Bulgaria in a later game.

The Netherlands, who lost all their three previous games, had every effort from the start to attack but lacked a killer touch at crucial moments.

ALSO READ: China ends Germany's winning run at FIVB Nations League

The Chinese women’s volleyball team head coach Cai Bin looks on during the 2023 Volleyball Nations League match between China and the Netherlands. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

"Our players were obviously shocked at the start by the aggressive opponents," said China head coach Cai Bin. "We were forced to make too many errors. But in the end, we managed to weather the storm."

Li Yingying was on fire again for China, delivering a match-high 27 points, including four aces and three blocks. Wang Yuanyuan added 16 points, and Wang Yunlu scored 14.

Li, also China's top scorer in their first two matches against Brazil and Germany, showed her confidence in China's perfect winning record when they leave Nagoya.

"We know Japan is a good team, their defense is always very solid," she said. "But our offense is better. I believe we can beat Japan for sure."

READ MORE: China advance to FIBA 3x3 World Cup quarterfinals

In the first match on Saturday, Brazil beat the Dominican Republic 3-1 (27-25, 20-25, 25-21, 27-25).