Podgorica, Montenegro. Reigning U16 European champions Turkey are the only team with a perfect record of three wins in as many matches after completion of the third competition day at #EuroVolleyU17W in Podgorica. The young ‘Sultans of the Net’ recorded a 3-1 win in the highly anticipated matchup with Italy in a repeat of the gold medal game from last year’s U16 competition in Trieste. Slovakia improved their win-loss record in Pool I to 2-1 after beating Bulgaria, while Slovenia cashed their first victory from the matchup with hosts Montenegro. In Pool II, Serbia are yet to lose a set after two matches – on Saturday they thumped their neighbours from Romania with much confidence and ease.
Pool I
Italy vs. Turkey 1-3 (26-28, 25-18, 16-25, 20-25)
In a repeat of last year’s gold medal match at #EuroVolleyU16W in Trieste, Turkey confirmed their status as pre-tournament favourites as they beat Italy 3-1 despite dealing with a setback in the second set. Pelin Eroktay scored as many as 21 points for Turkey – just as many as the points registered by the Italian captain, Manuela Ribechi.
Bulgaria vs. Slovakia 1-3 (18-25, 16-25, 25-23, 19-25)
In a match featuring two teams boasting a 1-1 win-loss record in the tournament this far, Slovakia beat Bulgaria 3-1. Both Slovakia and Bulgaria had previously claimed their respective matchup with hosts Montenegro. Bulgaria managed to put up more of a fight in the third set only, the rest of the match was under control of Slovakia. Iva Dudova scored 14 times for Bulgaria in their losing effort, as Deana Valentova registered 19 for the winners.
Slovenia vs. Montenegro 3-0 (25-12, 25-10, 25-18)
After their valiant effort on Friday night in a dramatic five-setter with Bulgaria, hosts Montenegro could not show the same level of intensity and lost in three quick sets to Slovenia. Montenegro obviously paid a high price for the injury sustained by their team captain Tijana Milacic and could not put up much of a fight against the strong Slovenian side, which finished fourth at last year’s U16 championship in Trieste. Majda Cakar scored eight times for Montenegro in the match as three players – Neja Cizman, Naja Salamun and Taja Gradisnik Klanjscek – shared the top scoring honours for Slovenia with 11 points apiece.
Pool II
Serbia vs. Romania 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-17)
Serbia celebrated their second victory in as many matches in Pool II as they beat Romania 3-0 in the first match held on Saturday at the University of Montenegro sports hall in Podgorica. Serbia were in control from start to end of the match, even though the second set was a closer affair. Aleksandra Uzelac top scored for Serbia with 16 points – just as she had done the day before against Poland. Denisa-Stefania Cheluta registered seven for Romania.
Belarus vs. Poland 3-1 (25-20, 28-26, 23-25, 25-22)
After losing two matches in a row earlier this week to Romania and Russia, Belarus celebrated their first victory in Podgorica – as they beat Poland 3-1. Valeryia Turchyna scored as many as 21 points for Belarus in their winning effort. As for Poland, who have now lost three matches in a row in Pool II, Karolina Staniszewska registered 19 points.
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Sources:
CEV – European Volleyball
SVF – Slovakian Volleyball Federation
OZS – Volleyball Federation of Slovenia
