Croatia-Great Britain
Croatia started well with setter Bernarda Brcic feeding opposite Sanja Popovic and outside hitter Mira Topic for the provisional 8:6 at the first technical time-out. Ivana Milos and Antonija Kaleb stretched the margin via some massive blocks (16:8) before Great Britain responded with good actions in defense by libero Maria Bertelli and the offensive power displayed by team captain Lynne Beattie and opposite Rachel Bragg. The 2012 Olympians mentored by Audrey Cooper managed to cut the gap but Croatia clawed back with excellent blocks and attacks to go for the final 25-21 and provisional 1:0.
Great Britain opened set 2 pretty well with setter Lucy Wicks opting regularly for Beattie as she was causing troubles to Croatia’s block and defense system. However, Croatia responded with Mira Topic on fire, so some good serves and attacks paved the way for the 16:14 that called for the second technical time-out. Great Britain fought hard to keep the score close but could not avoid Croatia rush for the final 25-18.
With good defense and the always dangerous attacks killed by Lynne Beattie, Great Britain got to the front in set 3 (8:6) but Croatia responded well with Popovic and the blocks stamped by Kaleb. Still Great Britain enjoyed a narrow margin by the second technical time-out (16:15) but Popovic was one of a kind taking her side by the hand and going for the 25-20 that closed the game in straight sets.
