After reaching last season’s final, SKST Plus Hodonín are back in the semi-finals of the ETTU Europe Cup Women – and once again dreaming of going all the way.
This time, their path to the final goes through ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari, a team that has been one of the standout performers this season.
“I think the chances are open,” said coach Jaroslav MIKESKA. “The Italians are probably the favourites, but we will play in our strongest lineup and we definitely want to advance.”
Hodonín come into this tie full of confidence after one of the most dramatic quarter-finals of the competition. Against TTC Novi Sad, everything went down to the very last moment.
Both teams won one leg each, pushing the tie into a golden match. Under pressure, Hodonín kept their composure. Zhang BINYUE and Karin GROFOVÁ stepped up when it mattered most, securing the wins that sent the Czech side through.
It was a tie that showed not only quality, but also character.
Cagliari bring a strong and experienced lineup, something Hodonín fully recognise.
“MA Hengyu, Elizabet ABRAAMIAN and Tania PLAIAN are players you have to respect,” MIKESKA said. “But we also have a good team.”
The Czech champions will rely on their key trio – Zhang BINYUE, Karin GROFOVÁ and Markéta ŠEVČÍKOVÁ, hoping their balance and fighting spirit can make the difference.
Preparation for the semi-final has been straightforward and focused.
Rather than looking for outside help, Hodonín have relied on their own analysis of Cagliari’s matches throughout the season.
“We didn’t contact Hana MATELOVÁ,” MIKESKA explained. “We are working with what we have seen from Cagliari during the season.”
With experience from last year and confidence from a dramatic quarter-final, Hodonín know what it takes to compete at this stage.
At the same time, they are aware that this will be another close battle.
