Russia is the only team with an impeccable record of three wins in as many matches at #EuroVolleyU16W after completion of the third round of pool action. In Pool I, Russia needed five sets and almost two hours to edge Turkey at the tiebreak. In Pool II, Serbia and Italy ended the winning streak of Bulgaria and Slovakia, respectively, with these four teams all sharing the same (2-1) win-loss record at this stage of the competition.
The players of Croatia looks visibly happy after their 3-1 victory over Romania in Humenne
Romania and Croatia fought for their first win in the tournament, and Croatia eventually achieved their goal after registering a 3-1 (19-25, 25-19, 25-18, 31-29) victory. Romania started better than their opponents did eventually winning the first set, but Croatia reversed the course of the game and won the next two sets. At the end of a dramatic fourth set, Croatia saved three set points and ultimately cashed their fourth match point. Not even 20 points for outside hitter Beatrice Iliescu were enough for Romania, as on the Croatian side outside hitters Maša Mlinar and Tonka Bošnjak both scored 17 points.
“We are really happy, we changed a lot in our performance and we finally showed our best. We had defeated Romania in the qualification, we wanted to do it once again and we are happy we did it. We needed to win the match, in the first set we were a bit nervous, but with our team spirit we found the way to win.”
Maša Mlinar
Outside hitter of Croatia
In the second match of the day in Humenne, the team that lost the first set came out victorious as well – as Italy defeated hosts Slovakia 3-1 (21-25, 25-9, 25-13, 25-18). The home players entered the match fearlessly, they served and attacked well and they gained the first set with their fifth ace. In the remainder of the match, however, Italy dominated thanks to improved service, attack and as many as 11 blocks and deservedly won.
“We played very well in the first set and Italy made mistakes. In the second set, we made too many own mistakes, while on the contrary Italy played better and better. We kept trying, but it was very difficult for us. Now we need to regenerate well and keep concentrating on the next matches. The fans were great again, and we really enjoy this atmosphere and thank them for their support.”
Hana Boldocká
Outside hitter of Slovakia
The third match of the day also ended with a victory in four sets, as Serbia defeated Bulgaria 3-1 (25-21, 25-19, 20-25, 25-21). It was the second victory in the tournament for Serbia (2-1) and the first loss for Bulgaria (2-1). Bulgaria led 17-12 and 20-17 in the fourth set, but Serbia turned the score around in the end. Bulgarian opposite Iva Dudova scored the most points (23) in the match.
In Pool I in Nyiregyhaza, Russia came back from 1-2 down to edge reigning U16 European champions Turkey at the tiebreak (25-23, 18-25, 22-25, 25-17, 15-13) in a truly exciting and highly entertaining match. Veronika Eremeeva was Russia’s top scorer for the third day in a row, this time recording 24 points, as Defne Basyolcu set the pace for Turkey with 23 in their losing effort. Russia made some changes to their starting six in the fourth set, which paid dividends, before Turkey caught a promising start to the tiebreak. However, after the teams switched sides of the court, Russia performed at an even higher level and eventually secured a hard-fought victory.
“My girls did very well, because the match was a very difficult one, yet we won in the end. We did not have that many opportunities to practice before this tournament; these girls have only played together for one year and we have had training camps every two months.”
Svetlana Safronova
Head coach of Russia
Despite the support of their passionate fans, hosts Hungary had to accept their first setback in the competition, as Poland controlled the match from start to end to seal a comprehensive 3-0 victory (25-18, 25-14, 25-14) with three players – Oliwia Jaron, Anna Fiedorowicz and Zofia Sobanty – finishing in double digits. Hungary remain third in the pool on a record of two wins and two losses this far. The very first match of the day ended in a 3-1 victory for the young Yellow Tigers from Belgium in their fixture against the still winless Czech Republic.
“I think we played a very nervous game and we had problems in defence and reception. Despite this, I think we played with a big heart, we had a match where we really had to fight against the opponent, a tough opponent, but I think in the end, we had a bit more quality, a bit more power in attack and that made the difference.”
Raf Vekemans
Head coach of Belgium
The 12 teams will now enjoy a rest day before competition resumes on Wednesday with the next-to-last round of pool matches.
News:
CEV – European Volleyball
HOS – Volleyball Croatia
CVF – Czech Volleyball
SVF – Volleyball Slovakia
HUN – Volleyball Hungary
