Europeans Abroad: Mladenović and Pink Spiders one win away from Korean title
News
European volleyball players are spread all over the world during the 2022-2023 club season, playing big roles in their teams. Many of them are currently away from the continent, competing in some of the top leagues on the planet, and we’ll help you follow their journeys by providing periodic updates on how they’re doing.
Korea
Bosnian opposite Jelena Mladenović and her team Heungkuk Life Pink Spiders are just one win away from securing the title of the 2022-2023 Korean V-League season. The regular season winners in Korea, the Pink Spiders currently have a 2-1 lead over Gimcheon Korea Expressway Hi-Pass in the Finals and could end their best-of-five series with another victory.
The series between the teams began on Wednesday, with the Pink Spiders winning 3-1 and Mladenović registering 32 points (28 kills, four blocks). On Friday, also at home, the Pink Spiders were even more dominant, sweeping their opponents with 21 points (19 kills, one ace, one block) from the European player.
The series moved to Cheonan on Sunday and Gimcheon took full advantage of it to get their first win, claiming a 3-1 victory. Mladenović scored 21 points again, with 17 kills, two aces and two blocks.
The fourth match of the series will be held in Cheonan on Tuesday and, if needed, the fifth and decisive duel, is scheduled for Thursday, in Incheon.
Brazil
The regular season of the 2022-2023 Brazilian Women’s Superliga came to an end on Friday and the two teams that have European players in their squads finished first and second ahead of the start of the playoffs.
Dentil Praia Clube, who have Dutch national team captain Anne Buijs in their roster, were first, with 59 points (20 wins, two losses) and will face Barueri Volleyball Club in the quarterfinals. The Dutch outside hitter came off the bench to produce nine points (all in kills) in her team’s final regular season victory, a 3-1 triumph over Fluminense FC.
Polish star opposite Malwina Smarzek and her Osasco São Cristovão Saúde teammates finished second in the regular season with 49 points and a campaign of 17 wins and five losses. Osasco, who will play EC Pinheiros in the quarterfinals, counted on eight points (six kills, two blocks) from Smarzek to take down Brasília Vôlei 3-1 on the road on Friday.