Slovakia lead table, but it's down to the wire
Slovakia are the only team on two wins and head the table after two days of play in Pool I of Round 3 of the #EuroVolleyU19W qualifiers in Vathy, the capital of the island of Samos in the eastern Aegean, but there is a scenario where three teams could tie at two wins each on the closing day, Saturday. Two tickets are availble from this pool for the finals in Albania next September.
Slovakia edged the Netherlands 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 15-13) in a nail-biting thriller that kept them undefeated.
Led by Karolina Fricova who scored 21 points (seven of them aces) and Simona Jelinkova on 20, Slovakia were more determined and more efficient at crucial points of the game.
The Netherlands, who had Annick Meijers score a match-high 24 points, are still alive in the competition and the point they picked up may well prove crucial when the final count is in on Saturday.
"I had told my players that to beat the Netherlands we had to serve strong," said Slovakia coach Michal Matusov after the game. "Only if we could create problems for them in reception could we have any chance. The girls delivered and I'm very proud of them. Serving was key to our win. We're not yet in the finals, so tomorrow we need to produce the same level of seriousness that we showed on the first two days."
Slovenia are also alive and kicking, after sweeping hosts Greece 3-0 (25-21, 26-24, 25-22) for their first win in the tournament.
Alja Jerala spearheaded the Slovenian with 17 points and a 54% attacking effiency, while the hosts struggled to get the ball on the floor.
"I'm happy with the way we reacted after yesterday's defeat to the Netherlands, but we can still improve greatly as a team," said Slovenia coach Gregor Rozman. "It wasn't easy for us to play against the hosts of the pool and I'm satisfied with the result. We need only a win tomorrow and we know it will be difficult against Slovakia."
