Bulgaria
Bulgaria crowned their campaign with a historic gold medal after a 3-0 (25-12, 27-25, 25-14) victory over the hosts Hungary, thus completing their duties in Budapest without dropping a single set.
The 16-year-old Reka Szedmak of Hungary top scored in the game with 12 points while Gergana Dimitrova scored 11 points for Bulgaria.
Mariya Karakasheva was named for the MVP of the Final Four: “Winning the final wasn’t that easy. We were a bit tense – the other team were the hosts, supported by their fans, but I think that we showed our game and claimed a well-deserved win. Being the MVP of the tournament means a lot – it is also a responsibility. The next step for us is reaching the Volleyball Nations League.”
Earlier in the afternoon, the Czech Republic claimed the bronze medal but they definitely had to fight for it. They defeated Finland with a 3-1 victory (25-17, 28-26, 25-27, 25-21).
This is the second Czech medal in European League history – they won gold in 2012.
Michaela Mlejnkova was the top scorer with 25 points, followed by Eva Hodanova with 19. Salla Karhu was the best in Finland with 17 points in their losing effort.
Bulgaria and Hungary will travel early next week to Peru to contest the inaugural FIVB Challenger Cup where a spot in the next edition of the elite FIVB Volleyball Nations League will be at stake.
Dream Team
Outside Hitters: Greta Szakmary (HUN) and Michaela Mlejnkova (CZE)
Middle Blockers: Hristina Ruseva (BUL) and Laura Pihlajamaki (FIN)
Libero: Rita Molcsanyi (HUN)
Setter: Lora Kitipova (BUL)
Opposite: Silvana Chausheva (BUL)
MVP: Mariya Karakasheva (BUL)
See schedule and results, as well as stats of CEV Golden European League.
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