Nantes, France, June 23, 2017. Ukraine and France both claimed comfortable victories in Pool B of the women’s European League as the final pool starts its final weekend of action. With 1st place guaranteeing a spot in the semi-finals and the best second there is lots to play for as France hosts this important tournament.
Montenegro vs. Ukraine
The second round of Pool B opened in Nantes with Montenegro overpowered from start to finish by the current pool leader Ukraine claiming a straight sets victory (25-11, 25-12, 25-15).
The first set was a pure formality for Ukraine with captain Nadiia Kodola, top scorer of the match with 15 points, realising a near perfect appearance in attack scoring six points out of seven attempts and achieving two blocks. She paved the way for a landslide victory of the set to 11 points. The start of the second set was tighter (6-6), but Ukraine soon after took the lead and widened the gap (14-10). Best blocker of the match Yuliya Gerasymova signed three blocks in this second set (four in total) that helped to conclude the set 25-12. Ukraine remained too strong for Montenegro in the third set as Dragan Nesic’s team lost by 10 points. With this fourth victory in the pool, Ukraine, who remain undefeated, got one step closer to their qualification for the semi-finals. They will only need one more victory to confirm their ticket to the semis out of their next two matches.
Nadiia Kodola, captain of Ukraine: “It’s another victory. We are really close to the qualification now but we need to remain focused against Georgia tomorrow and France on Sunday to keep the good dynamic we have found. It’s important for us to win all games.”
Gariy Yegiazarov, head coach of Ukraine: “To win this game against Montenegro was really important for the qualification to the next phase. It was a first step. We are confident for the coming matches and we think we can win against Georgia or/and against France.”
Nikoleta Perovic, captain of Montenegro: “We did not play today, we made too many mistakes and Ukraine took their chance. The result is clear, 3-0. I am sure we will play better tomorrow, at our real level. Today it was really disappointing.”
France vs. Georgia
France landed a perfect home victory over Georgia with Les Bleues performing a compelling three set victory over Georgia at home. In Nantes, 1,050 fans witnessed the game in the sports hall and celebrated the first French official home win (25-21, 25-20, 25-17) in style.
It was a first for this new blue generation. The game against Georgia was the first official match the team played on home soil. French attendance discovered a combative team, that offered no real chance to Georgia, beating them relatively comfortably. The French squad dominated the major part of the first set (19-13). But, due to some French miscalculations, Georgia came back into the game and scored six points in a row during the crucial end of the set (22-20). Juliette Fidon, top scorer of the match (23 points including 16 winning spikes, two blocks and five aces), finally concluded the set with a sneaky tip finishing it 25-21.
The start of the second set was a bit shaky, with each team taking the lead in turns (8-7, 12-13) but Lucille Gicquel made a perfect appearance in attack scoring decisive points and helped her team take the lead to seal the second set 25-20.
French head coach Felix André allowed himself a setter substitution to start the third set. Thanks to a high level of service, Les Bleues widened the gap. Despite nine blocks and Ann Kalandadze's dedication, Georgia suffered too much in reception. Nina Stojiljkovic concluded the match with an ace (25-17).
Georgia Head Coach Paata Ulumbelashvili: “Despite the final result I am satisfied with my team's performance, we want to keep going and we still have hopes to grab a win in this tournament. We need to analyse the mistakes that we made today. I think we have chances tomorrow against Montenegro.”
Juliette Fidon, outside spiker of France and top scorer of the match: “It’s a perfect start for a home competition. We need to improve small details and this will be the objective for the coming matches.”
Felix André: “It was a huge pleasure to play in front of our home fans today. That helped us a lot during the tight moments. I am happy with the final score but I wish I could have given more play-time to our younger players but some mistakes on our side made it difficult. Juliette Fidon, the game leader, could have been more preserved for the coming matches but she was essential tonight. She has brilliantly assumed her role in the team.”
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