August 25, 2019 - After losing their opening game to Azerbaijan, the Croatia women's volleyball team won their first game in Group C of the European Volleyball Championships in Budapest.
Namely, Daniele Santarelli's side topped Estonia 3-1 in the 2nd round match (25-18, 25-17, 26-28, 25-12) after one hour and 46 minutes of play, reports Gol.hr.
Samanta Fabris was the best for Croatia with 14 points, while Lucija Mlinar and Karla Klarić scored 12 points. Estonia’s best was Kertu Laak who scored 13 points, followed by Nette Peit with 11 points.
In an even first set, Estonia held their own partly thanks to the mistakes of the Croatian volleyball players. However, from 19-17, Croatia scored five points and used their second chance to win the first set.
Carried by the strong finish of the first leg, Croatia continued to play in the same rhythm in the second set in which they led 13-3. A 24-9 lead saw Croatia get a bit too comfortable, and Estonia came back to a close 24-17 before Croatia used their ninth set point.
Croatia coach Santarelli decided to rest captain Samanta Fabris in the third set, which Estonia saw as an advantage to take the lead through the entire set for 22-18. Santarelli then brought Fabris back into the game and gave Martina Samadan a chance, which resulted in six of the next seven points, and Croatia’s first chance at a match point (24-23). Estonia used their second set point and continued the match.
But that was where the experiments ended. Again with Samantha Fabris in the impressive line-up, Croatia systematically increased their advantage, which ultimately reached a maximum of +13 (24-11). Croatia secured the match point, which gave them three points and a temporary lead in the Group C rankings
Croatia has thus achieved four points in two matches, while the Netherlands and Hungary have three points with one game less. The top four teams from the four groups will compete in the second round.
On Sunday, Croatia will have their first day of rest, and on Monday they will play against Romania in the third round. The match starts at 6 pm.
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