Pool Stage Concludes as Quarterfinalists Emerge at MEVZA U16 Championship in Portorož

The second day of the MEVZA U16 Beach Volleyball Championship in Portorož brought the conclusion of the pool stage, with teams battling for places in the knockout rounds. After an intense schedule across both the boys' and girls' competitions, the quarterfinal matchups were decided, setting the stage for an exciting final day.

In the boys' tournament, Pool A winners Heiland / Schmid (AUT-1) edged Kozler / Prokeš (CZE-2) in a thrilling three-set battle (21-19, 16-21, 15-6), while Kalma / Hruzik (SVK-2) defeated Buday / Gyetvan (HUN-3) in straight sets (21-13, 21-12) to secure second place.

Pool B was topped by Votava / Marel (CZE-1), who completed a perfect pool campaign with a 2-0 victory over Grossegger / Trummer (AUT-2). Kiss / Vince (HUN-2) also advanced after defeating Strcaj / Markač (SLO-3) 2-0 (21-16, 21-16).

In Pool C, Sekera / Zábava (SVK-1) finished first after overcoming Modic / Kovač (SLO-1) in three sets (21-19, 19-21, 15-13). Herget / Yapparov (CZE-3) claimed the remaining quarterfinal spot with a 2-0 win over Rukovanjski / Cvijančević (CRO-2).

Pool D winners Tari / Ghazal (HUN-1) defeated Dugandžić / Fuzul (CRO-1) 2-0 (21-19, 21-15), while Perko / Pavasović (SLO-2) secured second place after beating Lorenz / Galler (AUT-3) in straight sets (21-8, 21-9).

The afternoon also featured the boys' Round of 12. Perko / Pavasović (SLO-2) defeated Grossegger / Trummer (AUT-2) 2-1, Sekera / Zábava (SVK-1) beat Tari / Ghazal (HUN-1) 2-0, Angerer / Innocenti (AUT-1) overcame Perhat / Lisjak (CRO-2) 2-1, and Ficko / Pahor (SLO-2) advanced with a 2-0 victory over Szalay / Pándi (HUN-2).

The boys' quarterfinals completed the semifinal line-up. Kozler / Prokeš (CZE-2) defeated Grossegger / Trummer (AUT-2) 2-1, Sekera / Zábava (SVK-1) edged Herget / Yapparov (CZE-3) 2-1, Votava / Marel (CZE-1) overcame Heiland / Schmid (AUT-1) 2-1, and Modic / Kovač (SLO-1) beat Kiss / Vince (HUN-2) 2-1.

In the girls' competition, Angerer / Innocenti (AUT-1) topped Pool A after defeating Szalay / Pándi (HUN-2) 2-0, while Naskosová / Řechtáčková (CZE-2) secured second place with a 2-0 victory over Menard / Novak (SLO-3).

Pool B winners Komondi / Vargha (HUN-1) advanced despite a three-set loss to Schönegger / Gülasik (AUT-2), while Matusová / Kmeťová (SVK-2) booked the second qualifying place by defeating Frkalová / Svobodová (CZE-3) 2-0.

Mastníková / Štepanková (CZE-1) completed a flawless Pool C campaign with a 2-1 victory over Stopar / Dremelj (SLO-1). Perhart / Lisjak (CRO-2) claimed second place after defeating Tábor / Gertler (HUN-3) in three sets.

In Pool D, Bucová / Dzechová (SVK-1) secured first place with a straight-set win over Raguž / Guina (CRO-1), while Ficko / Pahor (SLO-2) advanced after defeating Thamer / Grumeth (AUT-3) 2-0.

The girls' Round of 12 saw Komondi / Vargha (HUN-1) defeat Bucová / Dzechová (SVK-1) 2-0, Stopar / Dremelj (SLO-1) overcome Schönegger / Gülasik (AUT-2) 2-1, Angerer / Innocenti (AUT-1) beat Perhart / Lisjak (CRO-2) 2-1, and Ficko / Pahor (SLO-2) eliminate Szalay / Pándi (HUN-2) 2-0.

The girls' quarterfinals then determined the semifinalists. Naskosová / Řechtáčková (CZE-2) defeated Komondi / Vargha (HUN-1) 2-1, Raguž / Guina (CRO-1) edged Stopar / Dremelj (SLO-1) 2-1, Mastníková / Štepanková (CZE-1) overcame Angerer / Innocenti (AUT-1) 2-1, and Ficko / Pahor (SLO-2) advanced with a 2-0 victory over Frkalová / Svobodová (CZE-3).

The championship concludes on Friday with the semifinals, medal matches and final placement matches in both the boys' and girls' competitions.