Italy back on track as five teams register second victory at #EuroVolleyU16W
News
The teams of Turkey, Hungary and Russia in Pool I as well as those representing Slovakia and Bulgaria in Pool II claimed on Sunday their second victory from as many matches to continue their #EuroVolleyU16W journey in emphatic style. After their surprising setback on Saturday, Italy bounced back to thump Serbia in three sets.
In the opening match of the day in Pool II, Bulgaria thumped Romania in three sets (25-16, 25-17, 25-19) to claim first place in the current standing of the group. Romania put up a bit more of a fight in the third set, but it was not enough. Bulgarian outside hitter Maria-Gabriela Milicevic was the top scorer of this game with 12 points to her name.
After their victory over Romania on Sunday, the home side of Slovakia defeated Croatia 3-1 (25-23, 25-21, 16-25, 25-23). Croatia edged ahead 19-15 and 23-21 in the first set and 19-16 in the second set, but Slovakia fought their way back. The Croatian girls comfortably took the third set, but in the fourth set Slovakia dominated again, especially thanks to outside hitter Michaela Kánová, who eventually scored as many as 29 points.
Michal Matušov“I am very happy for this victory. The girls fought hard from the very first ball to the end, and our fantastic audience helped us a lot. In the first two sets, we had to come from behind, but we managed to turn the situation in our favour and that is a great satisfaction. I believe that these two wins could be enough to advance to the next phase of the tournament.”
Head coach of Slovakia
In the evening's match, the two favourites of the group locked horns. Italy, who unexpectedly lost 0-3 to Bulgaria on Saturday, overcame Serbia in three sets (25-17, 25-18, 25-13) with a dominant performance. Italy's captain Erika Esposito led the Azzurrine with 13 points.
Erika Esposito“Today we showed a good reaction after yesterday’s loss, and we played our game. Now we are very happy and we are looking forward to the next matches. We want to play at the best level we can and go as far as possible in this tournament.”
Outside hitter and captain of Italy
In Pool I in Nyiregyhaza, reigning U16 European champions Turkey continued their campaign to retain the title they claimed two years ago in Trieste with a 3-0 shutout of the Czech Republic (25-17, 25-14, 25-15) with as many as four of their players finishing the match in double digits.
The hosts from Hungary added another victory to their tally as they edged Belgium 3-1 much to the delight of some 300 fans in attendance. Cecilia Noemi Jambor was once again Hungary’s main weapon, with a personal tally of 21 points. Tournament favourites Russia needed 67 minutes only to complete a 3-0 rout of Poland propelled by the 19 points scored by Veronika Eremeeva.