Russia – Germany
Russia made a strong start with wing-spiker Kseniia Ilchenko performing astonishingly from the service line. She took her side 8-6 in front at the first technical timeout. The Russian ladies kept the pace, while German coach Han Abbing called for two time-outs at 14-19 and 15-22 to slow down the opponents.
However, Russia was too dominant. Opposite Irina Voronkova, who sealed the set with an impressing spike, performed brilliantly at serving and spiking. Both teams showed virtuous defending skills in the first part of the second set. German wing-spiker Carina Aulenbrock made an impact to the game while her side was two points ahead at the first and second stop (8-6, 16-14).
The German squad augmented the speed; and setter Magdalena Gryka finished the set in Germany’s favor with a fine block (25-20). The German ladies kept the pace in the beginning of the third set, forcing Russian coach Svetlana Safronova to call her players off court at 1-5. Without no consequences as Germany led even 8-1 at the first technical timeout. However, Russia bounced back bravely to turn the tables at 16-15. With a blistering winner from back row, Kseniia Ilchenko powered the Russian squad 2:1 in front.
Germany made again a good start into the fourth set (12-7, 16-10), but things didn’t change. Russia battled violently to finally book a well-deserved 3:1 win at their first appearance here in Ankara.
