2014 CEV Volleyball European Championship - U19 WOMEN

Luxembourg reaches out for Gold

by CEV

The home team of San Marino is reaching out for the silver medals from the Small Countries Division of the 2014 CEV U19 Volleyball European Championship – Women, while leader Luxembourg is just a small step away from the gold.  The team from the Grand Duchy managed its third victory in the competition by shutting out Liechtenstein by 3:0 (25-21, 25-13, 25-13) and is very likely to stay unbeaten through the end of the race, while the Sammarinese battled out a sweet 3:2 (25-19, 7-25, 23-25, 25-14, 15-11) victory over Scotland in a five-setter that pretty much pre-determined the eventual runner-up of the tournament.

Before the last three matches on Saturday, Luxembourg tops the standings with 8 points, San Marino occupies the second position with 5 points and better set ratio than Scotland.  Liechtenstein has 3 points in the fourth place, leaving Wales behind with 0.

Luxembourg vs. San Marino 3:1 (17-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-21)

The second day of the tournament in Serravalle opened with a victory for the team of Luxembourg.  The girls from the Grand Duchy defeated San Marino by 3:1 (17-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-21).  In the first set the Titans surprised the opponents, taking advantage of their bad start and keeping them at a distance thanks to the strong attacks of Anita Magalotti (7 points in the first set and top scorer of the match with 19 overall).  Luxembourg’s experience was evident in the second set.  Tactically, they chose to serve at Magalotti, thus diminishing her opportunities to attack.  However, as in yesterday’s match against Scotland, Luxembourg continued to rely on a team-inspired offense, highlighting the middle blockers.  The Grand Duchy squad had more hitting options and despite San Marino’s perseverance Luxembourg came out on top.  Cindy Schneider was the most prolific player in coach Ranguel Krivov’s lineup with 16 points.

Liechtenstein vs. Luxembourg 0:3 (21-25, 13-25, 13-25)

The team of Luxembourg made a giant step towards the gold medal by claiming its third victory in the tournament, this time over Liechtenstein by 3:0 (25-21, 25-13, 25-13).  The girls from the Grand Duchy took control of the game, preventing any reaction from the opposition.  In the first set Liechtenstein fought to the end, but then surrendered to the team that really seems the most well-round and best prepared in this competition.  The Luxembourgish middle blocker Cindy Schneider became the best scorer of the game with 12 points.  Nina Ludwig scored 9 top the charts on Liechtenstein’s side.

Standing

Today:

10.00:  WAL-LUX

14.00:  SCO-LIE

17.30:  WAL-SMR

read more:  www.cev.lu