Slovakia record their first victory after winning against Finland in four sets. Both teams began their rivalry in Pool D on a Friday, with Slovakia dominating across three sets. Service was one of the key elements that allowed Marco Fenoglio’s team to secure a win.

• Nikola Radosova was the top scorer of the match with 21 points. Her teammates Maria Zernovic and Karin Palgutova scored 18 and 15 points respectively

• On the Finland’s side Piia Korhonen led with 13 points, followed by Anna Czakan with 12

• Czakan showed a great form in block, scoring half of her points in this element

• Slovakia recorded great collective performance at the service line, serving 7 aces 

• Both teams performed well in block, with Slovakia getting 14 points in that element and Finland scoring 13

Barbora Kosekova, setter of Slovakia: “We are really happy that we won our first match in the Qualifier. It was important to win the 3 points and start this tournament well. We have a new team with a lot of young players and I think it was very important for our confidence. I’m really proud of the team and I hope tomorrow we will continue.”

Kaisa Alanko, setter of Finland: “It was a tough game, Slovakia started to play really well and their defense started to work. We have to be a little bit more aggressive tomorrow and on Sunday, because we have to show what we have been practising. Next games are going to be even more important and I think we can improve our performance a lot. I believe in my team and I think we can do it tomorrow.”

Marco Fenoglio, coach of Slovakia: “I’m really happy, this first match was really important for us. Every point is important in this Qualifier, but today I’m satisfied because I think Finland was a strong opponent. We didn’t have a lot of time to work together before this event, but we won and this was significant today.”