On the last day of competition of the 2021 FIVB Girls´U18 World Championship in Durango, Brazil had no difficulties in finishing in fifth place after a straight set victory over Romania, in the past edition they finished third.
Girls' U18 World Championship 2021
Brazil finish fifth at Girls’ U18s
Turkey beat Poland for seventh place
Published 09:05, 29 Sept 2021
Earlier, Turkey won to Poland for seventh position, also in three sets.
Brazil scored an easy victory with consistent attacks in all three frames. Romania resisted Brazil’s force over the net in the first set up to an even 13; but then lost energy as the match developed.
The South Americans overwhelmed the Europeans with a 36-20 advantage in attacks and an overwhelming 14 against 2 in blocking points. Both teams scored five points from serves.
Outside hitter Nicole Fernandes de Oliveira topped Brazil with 14 points (11 kills, 2 blocks, one ace), joined by team captain Aline Segato with 13 points (11 kills, one block, one ace) and middle blockers Luzia da Silva along with Julliana Vitória de Andrade added ten points each.
Middle blocker Tara Anamaria Cristea led Romania’s attackers with ten points on 6 kills, two blocks and two aces.
“We were really motivated to finish in fifth, the whole group was united and with good energy. Our goal was to finish first place but we need to prepare harder, each player must understand their position on the court and we must have in mind that Brazil is a strong volleyball team, highly respected” said Nicole Fernandes de Oliveira, outside hitter and top scorer of Brazil.
Turkey celebrates seventh place defeating Poland
Turkey was mostly challenged by Poland in the third set; coming from a three-point deficit (15-18) and then a dramatic finish after snatching two set points (23-24) and (24-25) from Poland.
Turkey’s performance prevailed on 41 attacks against 32 from Poland; they also finished with a 12-8 advantage in blocking and seven points from serves against three.
Four Turkish players scored on double-figures, with outside hitter Fatma Iklimya Demir on a match-high of 17 points (4 kills, one block, 2 aces). Outside hitter Ege Melisa Bukmen and middle blocker Berka Buse Ozden registered 11 points each, Berka Buse leading in blocks with 9 points; while Beren Yesilirmak tallied 10 points.
Middle blocker Natalia Kecher (7 kills, 4 blocks, one ace) and outside hitter Julia Lenik (11 kills, one block) were Poland´s leading scorers with 12 points each.
Turkish setter Dilay Ozdemir, expressed “we are happy for finishing with a victory. We were better in blocking and serving than Poland. Generally speaking we need to improve our middles and setters connection for our next international tournament”.
