Serbia-Netherlands
The young Serbian ladies started the match anxiously, but trying their best to delight the home fans in Kladovo. Neither of the teams managed to create a major gap in the first part of the set. Even though Serbia led 16-14 at the second technical time-out, the home side was struggling with the pressure, and the Dutch girls knew how to make the most of it. After the break, the Oranjes swiftly took over and finished with ease at 25-18.
However, except from some parts in the third set, the favorites from Serbia regained momentum and never looked back.
Marijana Boricic, Serbia Head Coach: “We were hoping to win this opening match. It was important for our girls, because they were very nervous in the beginning and they needed to relax. We struggled with passing in the first set, but when we improved in this segment of the game, it became much easier”.
Jelena Vignjevic, Serbia: “It was obvious that we were very tight at the beginning, and it is normal because we are young and we have to get some experience. Luckily for us, we managed to overcome the pressure soon and everything went well from that point onward. Tomorrow is a new challenge for us, and we’ll be prepared.”
Saskia van Hintum, Dutch Head Coach: “The girls lost a little bit of confidence after the second set and they couldn’t manage the pressure. We are young and that’s the way it goes. My team has to learn to compete on the big scene. Tomorrow it will be better, I am sure”.
Brit Bongaerts, the Netherlands: “We started very well, but as Serbia improved their serve and communication on the court, we couldn`t respond.”
To read more news from this competition click on Youth European Championship 2013 F.
