Russia and Slovenia remain unbeaten, Bulgaria thump Italy at #EuroVolleyU17M

Slovenia and Russia are the only teams with a perfect record of two wins in as many matches after completion of the second day of pool action at #EuroVolleyU17M in Tirana. Interestingly, all six teams contesting the matches of Pool II have one win and one loss apiece this far.

Russia and Slovenia extended their winning streak in Pool I as they beat Latvia and Turkey, respectively. Russia lost the opening set to #EuroVolleyU17M rookies Latvia (27-29) but after that, they imposed their physical and technical prowess to record a 3-1 victory, with Gleb Stefanovich standing out with a personal tally of 22 points. After easily routing tournament hosts Albania the day before, Slovenia had to play three tight sets but eventually had the upper hand over Turkey, with Miha Okorn registering 16 points for the winners. Belgium conceded only 23 points to Albania in a match that lasted 53 minutes, with the young Red Dragons looking dominant from start to end.

If Russia and Slovenia seem to be slowly but surely cementing their leading position in Pool I, everything is open in Pool II. Serbia bounced back from their defeat to Austria to rout the Czech Republic in three sets and Austria seemed to be close to causing another sensation earlier in the afternoon, but after taking the opening set, they could not keep up with Poland – who won 3-1. In the late match, Bulgaria thumped Italy in three sets with the Azzurrini never really posing a threat to the supremacy of the young Lions.

The competition continues on Monday with another six matches before a rest day on Tuesday.