Women’s Country Quota Playoffs of the 1to1 Energy Grand Slam – Volleyball News
Tandems from Brazil, Germany, and USA competed in the Country Quota Playoffs of the SWATCH FIVB 1to1 Energy Grand Slam in Gstaad, Switzerland.
The opening stage of the tournament featured two Brazilian pairs, four duos from Germany, and three teams (two-player teams) from America. Brazil was represented by Maria Clara-Leão Agatha-Seixas in the CQs. Likewise, Schumacher-Köhler, Banck-Walkenhorst,
Aulenbrock-Laboureur, and Bieneck-Großner played in the Germany CQs. USA’s Sweat-Fopma,
Day-Hughes, and Akers-Hochevar also participated in the CQs.
In the first Brazilian Country Quota Playoff, the pairing of Agatha and Seixas edged out compatriots Maria Clara and Leão in three-set affair 1-2 (23-21, 17-21, 8-15). The match lasted for 51 minutes and finally allowed one successful team to reserve a berth
in the next stage of the tournament. Maria Clara and Leão gave really good competition to the opposite team in the first frame of the match. They delivered a convincing performance and secured first set with two points. Meanwhile, Agatha and Seixas made a
comeback and settled for victory after winning the second and third sets with fair margin of points.
Germany’s Schumacher-Köhler opened the tournament with a wonderful win over
Aulenbrock-Laboureur. They finished the match in straight sets by sending 21-19, 21-11 on board. It took them only 38 minutes to dismantle the power of opponents. Following the opening victory, Schumacher-Köhler crossed their ways with Banck-Walkenhorst
in the next match. Banck-Walkenhorst had also captured their first match against Bieneck-Großner. Hence, both teams had an equal record and their second match was the real test for them.
The decisive final CQ affair covered its length in two sets, while Schumacher-Köhler fell to Banck-Walkenhorst, 0-2 (19-21, 18-21).
Sweat-Fopma booked a qualifying spot by winning the American CQs. The duo earned a bye in the first fixture, while claimed two back-to-back victories in the next two matches.
At the end of the 1-1 Energy Grand Slam Country Quotas, one team each from Brazil, Germany, and USA advanced to the next round.
USA’s Sweat: “It’s great that we could play two matches, especially because it was our first time playing in the country quota playoffs, but we could get used to it if it is necessary to improve and eventually making into the tournament without having to
play against another American team. It was a little bit difficult not only because of the opponents, but also because of the altitude. For tomorrow we just want to make it out and into the main draw.”
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