Champions League Women | 25 Aug 2015

SOROS: Small first step on the way to the quarter final

SVNO STROCK`s president comments ECLW Round 1 win against UCAM Cartagena

 

The ECLW Round 1 is closed by the Group B match between SVNO STROCK and UCAM Cartagena, held in Schwechat, as the 2011/2012 runner-up won 3:0. Tetyana BILENKO has pushed his team to the victory, beating Iulia NECULA in the straight games, while Matilda EKHOLM and Lea RAKOVAC were extended the full five games distance by Ruta PASKAUSKIENE and Maria XIAO respectively.

“Despite the fact that our number 1 Sayaka HIRANO was not able to play due to problems with her shoulder the team played in convincing style”, stated president of Austrian side Martin SOROS. “Tanya (BELENKO) opened with a very solid game, in the last weeks she improved also her offensive skills and she played unbelievable safe. Matilda (EKHOLM) and Lea (RAKOVAC) showed also very important mental strength”.

Matilda EKHOLM came back against former individual European champion Ruta PASKAUSKIENE after a 1:2 and 5:9, whilst Lea RAKOVAC played huge rallies at the end of match, as SOROS emphasized:

“The 3:0 score sounds very good, but was only a small first step on the way to the quarter final, we are part of a strong group and we are part of the best and most exciting Champions League ever. Our team has the chance to go for the title this season like 10 other teams as well and on the other hand there is still the danger to check out after the group stage”.

In the clash between two rising stars, RAKOVAC overcame XIAO, showing that Schwechat`s club has a bright future (counting also Tamolwan KHETKUEN and Marie MIGOT). But, SOROS suggested to his girls to go step by step:

“We will stay focused but I am sure that our coaches Tamy BOROS and Neven CEGNAR and our players are ready for reaching the stars”.

 

ECLW Round 1, Group B

 

SVNO STROCK – UCAM Cartagena 3:0

 

Tetyana BILENKO – Iulia NECULA 3:0 (11:4, 11:6, 11:7)

Matilda EKHOLM – Ruta PASKAUSKIENE 3:2 (11:8, 7:11, 6:11, 12:10, 11:8)

Lea RAKOVAC – Maria XIAO 3:2 (11:1, 11:5, 7:11, 6:11, 11:9)