MEVZA Junior Women’s in Kecskemet, Hungary – Volleyball news
The European women’s volleyball campaign, which involved under-16 junior teams, had an amazing run from December 28 to 30 in Hungarian City Kecskemet.
The event was organised by the European Volleyball Zonal Association (MEVZA). In the 2011 edition of the tournament, teams from Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria fought for the volleyball supremacy. Some of the thrilling and action-packed
matches were played by five of the contenders, who finally settled down in following positions:
Slovenia – 1st position Czech Republic – 2nd Slovakia – 3rd Austria – 4th Hungary – 5th
Slovenian musketeers kicked off the volleyball action on day-1 of the tournament on Wednesday, December 28. In the tournament opener, Team Slovenia crossed paths with the hosts from Hungary. The home team had the advantage of playing under familiar conditions
and it also had the emotional support of local fans. However, the visiting Slovenian team did not take any pressure of the situation and held off Hungary for 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-12) victory in the first match. Hungarian team competed well in second set but
overall failed to put up with the heavy strike of volleys from Slovenian girls.
The victorious squad of Slovenia returned to action in the fourth match of the day, where they faced of Austrian girls. Austria had already lost one match to Czech Republic and did not pose a threat on Slovenia. The charged-up Slovenians jumped out of the
gate and secured first two sets of the game, 25-21, 25-19. Austria hit back aggressively in third set and threw everything in attack, which turned the match into a heated competition. The hard work paid off and Austria grabbed success in third set with narrow
margin of two points, 26-24. Austria remained on the same route and gave a good competition to Slovenia in fourth set. However, Slovenia controlled the action and put an end to the match by sending 25-22 on board.
Hence, Slovenia finished the day with an overall record of 2-0 and firmly held the top position on ranking chart.
The start of second day was not good for Slovenia as they dropped their first match to Czech Republic in straight sets. The Czech ‘force’ totally dominated the scene and did not allow the opponent to come up. The decision was out in their favour at the end
of third set (25-19, 25-17, 25-12). The loss of opening match put a lot of psychological pressure on Slovenia.
In the second match, they met Slovakia and fought a long gruelling battle. The match prolonged to five tiring sets and took many different turns. Slovenia captured the first set of the match, while Slovakia hit the equaliser by winning second set. Slovakia
continued with success in the third set and improved to 2-1 after another set win. Slovenians had to put in a lot of effort to save the match by winning fourth set. They managed to create the tie of 2-2 after capturing fourth set but still the winner of the
match was undetermined.
There were equal chances for both teams to win the match but Slovenia proved to be better in final set and claimed victory. Final score of match was 3-2 (25-21, 25-27, 22-25, 25-18, 15-8).
With loss of one match on second day of the MEVZA Women’s Junior Volleyball Championship, Slovenia shifted to second position whereas Czech Republic went on top. However, both teams qualified for the final match of the tournament.
The final showdown of the championship was a cracking fight between Slovenia and Czech Republic. Both teams staged great action but victory graced only Slovenia as they sent 3-2 (25-18, 17-25, 23-25, 25-23, 16-14) on board.
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