ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari secured a narrow 3-2 victory over SKST Plus Hodonin in a dramatic opening leg of the ETTU Europe Cup Women semi-final, with the outcome decided in a tense death point.
The hosts made a strong start, as Karin GROFOVA defeated Tania PLAIAN to give Hodonin the early lead. However, Cagliari responded through Elizabet ABRAAMIAN and MA Hengyu, turning the tie around with two composed performances to move 2-1 ahead.
GROFOVA once again delivered for the Czech side, overcoming ABRAAMIAN to level the match at 2-2 and set up a decisive final encounter.
In a thrilling conclusion, Tania PLAIAN held her nerve against Ting Yao LIAO, sealing the victory in a dramatic decider that went down to the final point.
“First of all, we are very happy with the win. Once again, our team spirit helped us a lot – and today more than ever. It was a real roller-coaster match. GROFOVA played at an unbelievable level, almost a perfect match, and it was extremely difficult against her. Both Elizabet and I struggled with her style, as she hardly made any mistakes. We tried to adjust our tactics, but it didn’t really work.
In the second match, ABRAAMIAN didn’t start well against LIAO, but she gradually found her rhythm, adapted her tactics, and managed to turn the match around. The third match, MA Hengyu against SEVCIKOVA, was also very tough. At first, MA was a bit uncomfortable against the defensive style, but we supported her on every point, and she grew into the match.
In my match against LIAO, I went 2-0 up quite comfortably, but then she started to play better and better. I was a bit concerned as I couldn’t find the right solution, but in the end I followed my coach’s advice. From 5-3, I regained confidence and managed to close the match,” said Tania PLAIAN.
As highlighted ahead of the tie, Cagliari’s strength in unity and fighting spirit once again proved decisive, while Hodonin showed resilience reminiscent of their quarter-final run. With a slender advantage secured away from home, the Italian side now take a crucial step towards the final ahead of the return leg.
SKST Plus Hodonin – ASD Quattro Mori Cagliari 2-3
- Karin GROFOVA – Tania PLAIAN 3-1 (12-10, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6)
- Ting Yao LIAO – Elizabet ABRAAMIAN 1-3 (11-6, 10-12, 7-11, 4-11)
- Marketa SEVCIKOVA – MA Hengyu 1-3 (7-11, 11-9, 10-12, 9-11)
- Karin GROFOVA – Elizabet ABRAAMIAN 3-1 (11-7, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9)
- Ting Yao LIAO – Tania PLAIAN 2-3 (8-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7, 5-6)
