The winning teams from Slovenia taking a “championship-selfie”. Photo Credit: Marko Vanovšek
Maribor, Slovenia. From Friday until Sunday Draš Center in Maribor, Slovenia hosted the best Middle European Volleyballers in the Women’s U19 and Men’s U20 category. Among 11 National Teams it was both times Slovenia that managed to win all the matches, claim the gold and the Middle European Championship.
Six national teams from Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Slovakia and Slovenia competed for the title. The teams played every opponent once in 3 set matches, each set counting for a point in the rankings. The last scheduled match for Sunday ended up also being a match between the only two undefeated teams in the tournament, Slovenia and Czech Republic. In another thrilling match, Slovenia was overcome all the Czech attempts of a comeback and win all three sets and claim the gold medal.
Julija Grubisic Cabo attacking and team Slovenia ready to cover the attack. Photo Credit: Marko Vanovšek
After the match Slovenian captain Julija Grubišic Cabo said: “Czech Republic was also undefeated coming into the last match and it was a tough game, but I think our whole team did great.”
The two years younger Outside Hitter Mija Šiftar added: “We played well, we kept the number of mistakes low and that is why we won. It feels great.”
Final Rankings (Women’s U19):
1. Slovenia
2. Czech Republic
3. Slovakia
4. Hungary
5. Austria
6. Israel
Naja Šalamun (SLO) and her teammates celebrating the point. Photo Credit: Marko Vanovšek
In the men’s field teams from Austria, Hungary, Israel, Slovakia and Slovenia played first against each other in a pool with five teams. Top four then advanced into the semifinals, where the pool winners Slovenia was able to overcome the tough challenge from the fourth ranked Slovakia with a close 2-1 final score. The other semifinal was a repeat of the last pool play match and Austria was able to again defeat Israel with a 2-1 in sets.
After the close call in the semifinal, Slovenia came out very focused in the final and with an inspiring performance was able to win 2-0.
Slovenia with a well balanced attack. Photo Credit: Marko Vanovšek
Slovenian Opposite Nik Mujanovic, who was also selected for the Most Valuable Player of the tournament praised his teammates after the win: “It feels amazing! We were very hyped up for the match and we won because of awesome effort from the whole team.” With a big smile on his face, the team captain Dino Vinkovic added: “We finally won after 3 years!” before the whole team continued the well deserved celebration “dance”.
Final Rankings (Men’s U19):
1. Slovenia
2. Austria
3. Israel
4. Slovakia
5. Hungary
Celebration after the final point. Photo Credit: Marko Vanovšek
After the U16/U17 championships in March in Zadar, Croatia and now the U19/U20 in Maribor, Slovenia, MEVZA is moving to Beach Volleyball in Hartberg, Austria (July 23-25) for a U16 & U18 event, followed by a U18 & U20 in Budapest, Hungary (August 19-22).
The return to indoor volleyball will be made again at the begin of October, when first the men’s and shortly thereafter the women’s 2021/22 MEVZA League will commence.
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