Euro Cup F - Trieste qualifies for the quarter-finals
TRIESTE IN THE QUARTER-FINALS
THE DEFEAT AGAINST RAPALLO (10-11) DOESN'T AFFECT
DRAW ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 AT 11:00
Pallanuoto Trieste has qualified for the quarter-finals of the Women's Euro Cup! This was the verdict at the end of the Preliminary Round II played at the "Bruno Bianchi" pool. In the final match of Group C, the team sponsored by Samer & Co. Shipping was narrowly defeated by Rapallo 10-11. An inconsequential loss, as the "orchette" pass through to the next round as group winners, with Tenerife Echeyde taking the second spot, leaving Rapallo and Uc Lille out of the competition. "We are very happy with the qualification and continuing our European adventure," explains coach Paolo Zizza. "It's just a shame about today's performance; we were too nervous and confused, we need to improve our game management. Now we await our next opponents." European Aquatics announced that the draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Monday, October 28 at 11:00.
The match report: After 7 minutes and 21 seconds, Rapallo took the lead with Marcialis (0-1), Gant equalized in extra player for 1-1, Bianco made it 1-2 after the first 8 minutes. The battle continued in the second half. Bianconi extended the Ligurian lead with a lob to the second post (1-3), captain Cergol closed the play in extra player to keep Trieste close (2-3). Bianconi once again increased the gap (2-4), Gragnolati reduced the lead from a penalty (3-4). Di Maria scored the 3-5, and the "orchette" reacted: two beautiful plays in extra player resulted in the 5-5, scored by Colletta and Cergol.
Early in the third quarter, Klatowski and Cergol, again in extra player, brought Trieste to a quick +2 lead (7-5), forcing Antonucci to call a time-out which had an immediate effect. Kudella from a penalty, and two lucky deflections on shots by Marcialis and Bianconi, put the visitors ahead (7-8). Grasso extended the Ligurian lead to 7-9 with 8 minutes remaining. The final quarter was thrilling. Trieste reduced the deficit to -1 with Gant (8-9), Kudella from a penalty and Bianco neutralized Cergol's effort (9-11). Lucrezia made it 10-11 with 2 minutes and 14 seconds to go, but the comeback fell short. The Ligurians emerged victorious, but bid farewell to the competition.
PALLANUOTO TRIESTE - RAPALLO PALLANUOTO 10-11 (1-2; 4-3; 2-4; 3-2)
PALLANUOTO TRIESTE: Sparano, Citino, De March, Cordovani, Gant 2, Cergol 5, Klatowski 1, Colletta 1, Gragnolati 1, Vukovic, Matafora, Koptseva, Apollonio. All. P. Zizza
RAPALLO PALLANUOTO: Caso, Zanetta, Di Maria 1, Bianco 2, Marcialis 2, Lombella, Galardi, Cabona, Kudella 3, Grasso 1, Bianconi 3, Ballesty, Santapaola. All. Antonucci
Referees: Gransjean (NED) and Garcia (SUI)
NOTES: Zanetta (R) and Bianconi (R) were ejected for fouls in the third period, Cabona (R) and Marcialis (R) in the fourth; Extra player goals: Pallanuoto Trieste 7/20 + 1 penalty, Rapallo Pallanuoto 3/10 + 2 penalties
Alessandro Scollo
Pallanuoto Trieste
In the photo: Veronica Gant
