Serbia hang on to clinch bronze at 2011 CEV Girls’ Youth European Championship
Girls’ National Youth Team of Serbia posted a 3-1 (25-20, 28-26, 22-25, 25-22) victory over Germany in the bronze medal match on Sunday, May 8, 2011.
The match was played at Baskent Sports Hall in Ankara, Turkey. Earlier Serbia was defeated by hosts Turkey in the semi-final match, while Germany was sent to the third-position match by Italy. Serbs proved to be better team in the bronze medal match and
settled for third-spot in the rankings.
German side opened the match with prolific long jump-serves. Jennifer Geerties produced powerful shots and put early points onboard.
Likewise, Carina Aulenbrock showed her attacking power and chipped in crucial points. Serbs, on the other hand, seemed a bit slow in action. They struggled to overcome the power of German spikers but could not strengthen their grip on the ball.
Germans continued with success and led the game at the first technical timeout. In the meantime, Serbian team attacked with Mina Tomic. She supplied plenty of power to her shots and earned a strong spot for her team. As a result of heavy strike of volleys
from both sides, the score shifted with a narrow gap of points. Germany was ahead of Serbia at the first technical timeout with a margin of 1 point, while the Serbs turned the table at next technical break with 2-point lead over Germany.
The seesaw battle continued up till the ending moments of the set. Jennifer Geerties and Carina Aulenbrock of Germany contributed crucial points but Serbian team was equipped with middle-blockers such as Mina Popovic and Bianka Busa.
They killed many of the attack attempts of German spikers right on the net. Eventually, Serbia hit the mark and claimed opening set by posting 25-20.
The loss of opening set put German side on fire. They hit back angrily in second set and threw everything in attack. German strikers had a hard time to spot the rare gaps in Serbian half but they continued with their valiant. Gradually, Germans managed to
steal points from Serbs and went up on the scoreboard.
Serbia trailed behind with the gap of two points at the first technical timeout (6-8). Serbian Bianka Busa grabbed much attention for her tactful game. She came from different angles and created trouble for the opponents. Serbia remained hand in hand with
Germany but failed to take control of operation.
German hitters were remarkably consistent to score points. The second technical timeout showed 2-point lead of Germany. Afterwards, game took different turns but Serbs maintained their upper hand on Germans. They successfully extended their lead to 2-0.
Third set was a complete ball of fury. Both sides exchanged long rallies and ball remained in the air for better time. German captain Jennifer Geerties performed exquisitely well and did not miss a single chance to hit the ball in right direction.
On the other side of the net, Bianaka Busa was equally active. The wonderful digging of diving of players created a great vibe in the match. Serbia led the game first and second technical timeouts. Nevertheless, German raised head after the second technical
timeout. They played fast and suddenly cruised past Serbia. Germans pulled off success in third set by posting 25-22.
German team created a bit of excitement for their fans but the happiness was short-lived. Serbia bounced back in the game in fourth set. They started out with 2-point lead and did not allow Germany to come up then. Serbia captured fourth decisive set by
posting 25-22 and settled for bronze ware.
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