Russia, Germany and Italy score victories on opening day in Cagliari

Cagliari, Italy, September 17, 2010. The European Qualification Tournament for the 2011 FIVB World Grand Prix started in Cagliari with a series of great matches for what actually looks like a sort of “mini” European Championship to be completed in only six days. Russia needed the tie-break to cruise past 2009 European silver medallist The Netherlands, whereas Germany and the hosts of Italy scored a 3:1 victory against Turkey and Bulgaria respectively. The competition – with two berths for the next edition of the FIVB World Grand Prix at stake – is set to continue on Saturday afternoon with three more matches on schedule at the Pala Rockfeller.

The Netherlands vs. Russia 2:3 (28-30, 25-22, 25-22, 22-25, 13-15)

Russia started the campaign for a slot to compete at the 2011 FIVB World Grand Prix with a classy match against 2009 European silver medallist Holland. The girls of the Russian national team claimed the first set after a tight battle (30-28); the Oranjes changed pace in the second and third sets to stamp a double 25-22 but still could not decide the game in their favour. Russia displayed some excellent Volleyball in the fourth set (25-22) and went for the tie-break where they finally clipped the victory at 15-13. Gamova (her 21 points), Duskryadchenko (19), and Kosheleva (17) were the best players for the Russian side whereas for the Dutch team Grothues and Flier squeezed in with 20 and 19 points respectively.

Germany vs. Turkey 3:1 (21-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-22)

Germany stormed back mightily after losing the first set to defeat Turkey 3:1. The girls of Italian coach Giovanni Guidetti displayed a very good performance, with a solid reception (56% of efficiency) and a total of 8 blocks. Turkey was able to maintain the right tempo only in the opening set but then had to leave the way open for the Germans, with Kozuch topping the charts of the best scorers with 19 points.

Italy vs. Bulgaria 3:1 (26-24, 25-22, 21-25, 25-23)

Italy delighted many home fans in Cagliari with a first victory against Bulgaria, even though the game was extremely tight for the “Azzurre”. The hosts played with the right patience and confidence at the same time, as the Bulgarians were extremely tough opponents who stayed regularly very close in the score, being even able to claim the third set. Serena Ortolani contributed most of the points for Italy (20), with Gioli (who celebrated her 33rd birthday) and Del Core being also on a high note with a personal tally of 16 and 14 points respectively. The starting line-up of the Italians included setter and captain Lo Bianco, Ortolani as opposite, Barazza and Gioli middle blockers, Del Core and Piccinini as spikers and Enrica Merlo libero