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Romania finish the second Tournament on a positive note, beating Azerbaijan in straight sets. Romanians proved determined and fought their way back every time they were trailing behind their opponent. Azerbaijan put a pressure on Romania across the match but were unable to maintain the lead, ending their journey at European Golden League without a win.

Azerbaijan started the match putting a lot of pressure on Romania, which soon paid off with a significant lead at 16-11 and 21-15. Romanians found their way back into the game at the end of the set, not only making the score level but winning at 24-26. The odds turned in the second set, when Romania started with a 3-8 lead, that increased onto a 8-16 and 9-20 gap. The leading team seized their chance during first set point, winning at 12-25. Azerbaijan hit back from the first balls in the third set, going 5-2 ahead. Romania managed to tie the score, but Azerbaijan worked their way ahead yet again at 13-10. The three-point advantage continued on Azerbaijan’s side through 16-13 and 22-19, reaching their first set point at 24-21. Romania fought back yet again, levelling the score at 24-24 and claiming their last set and final victory at 25-27.

• Ioana Alexia Carutasu ended as the top scorer of the match with 16 points, followed by Ioana Francesca Alupei who contributed 14 points

• Anastasiia Mertsalova was the top scorer for Azerbaijan with 14 points

• Romania performed significantly better in serve and block, scoring 8 and 12 points respectively in those elements

• Carutasu was her team’s best server with 3 aces, while Alupei scored 7 blocks

Ayshan Abdulazimova, captain of Azerbaijan: “We have lost six games. Half of the team did not play this year and we had only a one month to practice all together. We tried to do our best.”

Marius Vasile Macicasan, coach of Romania: “I used this game as a friendly match, as we are not qualified. I put some young players on the court to see what they can bring to the team and give them some experience. Some have only been with us for a year and I have to learn more about them. They were focused at key moments and I very much appreciated that.”