Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic set the pace in Pool I in Bar

Poland, Italy as well as the Czech Republic set the pace on the first competition day of Pool I in Bar, Montenegro. Nevertheless, Slovenia and Greece showed their big potential for an eventual spot in the final eight. 2’000 cheering fans supported the home squad from Montenegro.

Poland, Italy as well as the Czech Republic set the pace on the first competition day of Pool I in Bar, Montenegro. Nevertheless, Slovenia and Greece showed their big potential for an eventual spot in the final eight. 2’000 cheering fans supported the home squad from Montenegro.

Poland vs. Slovenia 3:2 (25-19, 12-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-12)
In today’s opening match in Bar, Poland overpowered Slovenia in five sets. Although the Slovenians won the second and third set, they couldn’t pull through. Both teams delighted the fans with energetic, combative volleyball. Best scorer of the match was Poland’s opposite Malwina Smarzek with 25 points, whilst Slovenia’s most powerful spiker Nika Markovic booked 24 kills. 
Poland kick started into the first match of their 2013 CEV Youth Volleyball European Championship – Girls campaign. At the first technical break, Grzegorz Kosatka’s young squad already led 8-3. It seemed as the tall Polish ladies had more power at the net. Even though Slovenian setter and captain Eva Mori sped up her offensive game, Poland never looked back in the first set. 
With an efficacy of 11% in attack and 20% in passing in the first set, the young Slovenians quickly needed new impulses at the start of the second period. Indeed, Joze Casar’s ladies took more risk with vigorous serves. On the other side, Poland struggled with imprecise passing and some misunderstanding at the net. As a consequence, Slovenia won the second and third set quite easily 25-12 and 25-22.
However, it was not good enough. The young Polish talents kept cool in the fourth and fifth set. After 124 minutes of intense play, Magdalena Damaske blocked for a hard-fought Polish win.

Poland head coach Grzegorz Kosatka: “Since it was the first game of the tournament I am more than happy and satisfied with what my girls have shown. What to say except: we won!”
Poland captain Paulina Baldyga: “I am personally more than happy and satisfied with the match and with our game. The emotions are intense – I could cry from happiness.”
Slovenia head coach Joze Casar: “Our chances were 50 to 50. The result is not that bad for us.”
Slovenia captain Eva Mori: “It was quite hard to play against such tall blockers. We were bad in reception. Finally some details decided about the winner.”

Italy vs. Greece 3:1 (25-21, 25-19, 25-22)

The Czech Republic vs. Montenegro 3:1 (25-17, 15-25, 25-13, 27-25)