Champions League Women | 26 Feb 2018

Irina PALINA ready to play in Seamaster ECLW semis

Berlin`s Coach explains actual situation in the reigning Seamaster ECLW champion

 

Actual Seamaster ECLW champion and four-time winner, TTC Berlin Eastside couldn`t compose their powerful line-up this season – SHAN Xiaona, Georgina POTA, Petrissa SOLJA -  but they still have a chance to reach third consecutive “Triple Crown”. They already won German Cup, fifth in a row since 2014, then booked their place for the Seamaster ECLW, and standing on the third spot in Bundesliga after ten rounds, behind TTG Bingen/Münster-Sarmsh and SV DJK Kolbermoor.

 

“The fact that we are playing in the Champions League semi-final this year I think is not a lesser achievement than the victory in the previous two seasons. We can only thank the players and especially Georgina (POTA) for the fantastic motivation and desire to play in the semifinals! Special thanks to Nana (SHAN Xiaona) who is getting ready to become a mother. She played till now and won important matches”, stated Berlin`s Coach Irina PALINA who is forced to play more matches than she expected this season.

 

Petrissa SOLJA missed all Seamaster ECLW matches so far and PALINA didn’t want to comment SOLJA`s contribution to the team's results this season. Two more players will be absent until the end of season, because of pregnancy. But their coach expects to see them stronger after pregnancy break….

 

"So, for Seamaster ECLW semifinal we have Georgina POTA, Shiho MATSUDAIRA and ... Irina PALINA. We wish a healthy, happy baby pause for Kathrin MÜHLLBACH and SHAN Xiaona, their quickly comeback to be ready and happy to greet next year in our team Matilda EKHOLM!"

 

SHAN Xiaona has ended her season last week, due to pregnancy, but sent strong message to Berlin`s fans:

“I'll be back! My goal is to play even better in the new season and get back titles with my TTC Berlin!"

 

Actual Seamaster ECLW champion faces current ETTU Cup Women winner in the ECLW semis: TTC Berlin Eastside – Bursa Buyuksehir Belediyespor. First leg will be held in mid-March. Berlin beat Szekszard in the quarter-final, whilst Turkish side overcame TT Saint-Quentinois.