RUS v HUN

Defending champs Russia through to women’s semis

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Women’s defending champions Russia are on track to retain their 2017 title, after eliminating hosts Hungary 3-0 (25-14, 25-6, 25-20) in Thursday morning’s quarterfinals.

Iuliia Mednikova once again led the scoring with 14 points, as Russia served a tournament-high 31 aces. Hungary’s Barbara Nebehaj with 11 points was the only other player in the match to go int double digits.

Russia will be up against either Slovenia or Ukraine in Friday’s semifinals with a ticket to Saturday’s final at stake.

Hungary join Great Britain for the 9-12 positions pool, which will also include the losers of the remaining quarterfinals.

GER v FIN

Germany hold off Finland for ticket to women’s semis

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Germany fended off Finland’s advances for a 3-0 (25-10, 27-25, 25-21) in quarterfinal action here on Thursday morning win that sees them through to the semifinals of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships.

With a match high of 19 points Michelle Schiffler was Germany’s best scorer as the winners dominated all skills throught the match. Finland came from behind in the second, but failed to tie the overall score. The Nordic side also gave it their best shot in the third with narrow leads at times, but again Germany brought in the points when it mattered most.

Germany now play Italy in Friday’s semifinals, for a spot in the grand final on Saturday. Finland will have to play in the consolation round for positions 5-9 alongside Great Britain, Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia.

SLO v UKR

Ukraine knock out Slovenia, set up semifinal against Russia

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Ukraine defeated Slovenia 3-0 (25-14, 25-21, 25-18) in the women’s quarterfinals of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships here this morning to grab the last remaining ticket to Friday’s semifinals.

Elina Bezprozvanna played only two sets but was Ukraine’s top scorer on a match high of 11 points as her side outserved (12 to 5) and outblocked (7 to 3) Slovenia.

The results sets a semifinal clash tomorrow for Ukraine against Russia in a rematch of the 2017 European Championships final in Porec.

Slovenia will continue in the tournament for places 5-9, alongside Great Britain, Hungary, Croatia and Finland.

ITA v CRO

Italy through to semifinals with sweep of Croatia

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Italy set up a women’s semifinal clash with Germany after shutting out Finland 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-6) in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships here Thursday morning.

Francesca Bosio scored 16 points to lead Italy, who served 30 aces (nine each by Roberta Pedrelli and Bosio) to Croatia’s 8. Italy also produced highly more efficient attacking with 18 kills from 37 swings for 49%.

Italy now face Germany in Friday’s semifinals for a ticket to Saturday’s final. Croatia will have to play in the 5-9 pool, alongside Great Britain, Hungary, Finland and Slovenia.

HUN v GBR

Great Britain claim their first set, but fall to Hungary in four

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Great Britain won their first set in the tournament – indeed even came close to forcing a tie-break – before succumbing to Finland 3-1 (25-12, 25-19, 23-25, 27-25) in the opening match of the women’s 5-9 placement pool at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships, here Thursday afternoon.

Hungary were led by Barbara Nebehaj who scored 14 points and Gyulane Szucs who added another 13. Great Britain outblocked Hungary 12 to 5, but the hosts were just that little better in serving with 22 aces to 20 and vastly more efficient in attacking.

SLO v FIN

Slovenia in critical win over Finland for women’s 9-5

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Slovenia secured a critical win in the race for 5th place at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships, beating Finland 3-1 (25-15, 25-11, 19-25, 25-21) in the women’s 5-9 pool here Thursday evening.

With three players scoring in double digits – 15 by Suzana Ocepek, 13 by Jana Ferjan and 11 by captain Lena Gabrscek – Slovenia pressed from the service line for 18 aces (to Finland’s 9), making up for lacking in blocking (only 4 stuffs to Finland’s 10).

CRO v GBR

Croatia survive British attempt at a comeback

Budapest, Hungary, 18 July 2019 – Croatia wrapped up Day 4 at the 2019 Sitting Volleyball European Championships with a 3-1 (25-21, 25-18, 20-25, 25-17) win over Great Britain in the round-robin pool for women’s poisitions 5-9.

Andreja Giba registered the highest scoring of the day in Budapest with 27 points for Croatia, including 8 aces and 3 blocks. Croatia’s overall serving performance produced 18 aces, to Great Britain’s 10.

Croatia are on a 1-0 record, alongside Slovenia and Hungary. For Britain this was their second loss in the 5-9 pool and 6th overall in the European Championships.