Volleyball

Sweden crowned the Silver #EuroLeagueW champion

Recap

Article Sat, Jul 2 2022
Author: Martyna Szydłowska

In front of a home crowd at fully-packed Idrottshallen LUND, Sweden were crowned the champions of the CEV Volleyball European Silver League 2022 - Women, after beating in a straight-set, but thrilling, final game against Portugal. The hosts clearly dominated in all components, however the biggest difference was made by their successful block (10-3) and serve (12-4). Obviously, Sweden could count on their greatest Volleyball star - Isabelle Haak (14 points), but it was Alexandra Lazic who stood out with her performance in the gold medal match. The 27-year-old outside hitter topped the scorers' chart with 19 points and was named the MVP of the match. It's the second victory of Sweden in the Silver League as on Saturday they repeated the feat from 2018. After earning gold medals in this edition, they will be entitled to play in the next edition of the CEV Volleyball European Golden League. Once Portugal, finishing 2nd in 2022 edition, achieved a historic feat winning their first medals at this competition.

Sweden vs Portugal

Already in the League Round of the CEV Volleyball European Silver League 2022, the encounters between Sweden and Portugal went into a thrilling five-setters. Therefore, everyone expected another fierce battle in the final match of this campaign and the beginning of the match couldn't disappoint. Neither team was able to gain a bigger advantage, as both were extremely focused, showing Volleyball at the finest level at the beginning of this clash. In front of a large number of excitable Swedish supporters, the teams traded powerful spikes over the net and spared no efforts to keep the ball alive. Isabelle Haak (7 points) and Portugal's Julia Kavalenka (5) led the offensive of their teams. However, the breakpoint came at 17-17 with Vilma Andersson serving an ace and then her teammates improved it to 19-17. And actually, the service played a crucial role in the decisive part of the set. Lazic, who went to the service line at 20-19, didn't leave this place until the end of the set - she herself produced one ace, but her difficult serve put in trouble the opponent. Winning block from Jonna Wasserfaller and Anna Haak closed the opening part.

The hosts kept the momentum, starting the next part with a 8-1 lead, but it didn't discourage Portugal, who struggled a lot in receptions (only 29%). The team under the guidance of the coach Hugo Silva found their way to reduce the gap to one point (12-11) being powered by Kavalenka (7 points). Sweden tried hard to regain control and they moved to a 20-17 lead, then Portugal got close again at 21-20, but they couldn't stop the furious race of the hosts in the decisive part. Powerful spike from Swedish superstar Isabelle Haak sealed the second set in which the hosts totally dominated on serve (5-1) and block (6-1).

Although Portugal tried their best, it was impossible to stop the inspired Sweden in their furious race, as they played almost flawless, taking an 8-3 lead and improving further to 21-11. Isabelle Haak, with her outstanding skills and experience, was the one to win the most difficult balls, but all her teammates raised their skills to the top. Alexandra Lazic was a player to stand out with her performance in the 3rd set - she scored 7 points, including the match point that gave Sweden the title.

Lazic was the best scorer of the match with 19 points to her name, including 3 aces, 1 block and 15 kills (58% success in attack) earning a well-deserved MVP award. Julia Kavalenka was Portugal's top scorer with 12 points.

#Volleyball