Turkey and Slovenia claim first win at #EuroVolleyU16W qualifier

Turkey and hosts Slovenia have started their campaign for a spot in the final stage of this year’s #EuroVolleyU16W in the best possible way, following their respective victories over Austria and Portugal on the opening day of the qualifier held in Maribor.

Turkey were obviously dominant in the first set of their matchup with Austria, where they were in full control, claiming an early five-point advantage - which they extended to 15-9 before securing a 25-16 win. Lia Berger helped Austria secure a 5-2 lead in the second set and they further extended their gap to 12-6 before Turkey fought their way back to 12-10. After a close fight, an ace eventually finished the set in favour of Turkey at 25-22. Turkey seemed to find back their pace from the first set as they opened an 8-4 lead in the third set before Austria drew level at 11-all. Both teams played well and fought for each point until Turkey broke away at 22-19 to close the set and match at 25-22. Eylül Boztepe top scored for the winners with 15 points, as Berger recorded 14 for the Austrians in their valiant effort.

Later in the evening, hosts Slovenia needed four sets to edge Portugal. The home side stormed to a 25-17 win in the first set sealed by an attack from Maša Pucelj. However, Slovenia did not seem to find the same pace in the second set where they trailed 14-17 and 15-19. Slovenia fought back to 20-all but Portugal prevailed in the end (25-23) to tie the match. Slovenia made some changes to their line-up in set three with Saša Damjanovic playing as starting setter – the hosts claimed an early lead but Portugal clawed back before Slovenia emerged victorious at 25-22. The fourth set was a relatively easy ride for Slovenia – which romped to a 25-18 score to celebrate their first victory in Maribor.