Kosta Gountas’ team, largely the same squad that finished fourth in Europe last year, only struggled in the first set, where the typical nerves of an opening match were evident. However, they comfortably secured the win afterward.

EurovolleyU18W-Day 1: Greece vs. Lithuania

At the start of the match, Greece initially gained a solid lead (10-6, 12-9), but some issues with reception allowed Lithuania to close the gap to 14-13. Although Greece pulled ahead to 17-13, Lithuania equalized at 17-17. The contest remained tight until Greece surged ahead to 23-19, decisively sealing the set.

In the second set, Greece led 12-4 and 16-6, and in the third set, they quickly jumped to a 5-0 lead, extending it to 21-12. Despite a brief Lithuanian comeback making it 21-17, Greece maintained their composure and finished the set at 25-17, securing their first victory.

Coach Kostas Gountas: “We took the first step, six more to go”

“The first step was positive, and now we focus on the next game against Germany. All teams have improved since last year’s European competition. They all have their ambitions, just like us. We will try to perform well against Germany. They are a very good and tall team. We will try to exploit their weaknesses, just as Bulgaria did,” commented the national coach Kostas Gountas.

Match Summary:

• 1st set: 8-3, 16-13, 21-19, 25-20
• 2nd set: 8-2, 16-6, 21-8, 25-8
• 3rd set: 8-4, 16-12, 21-12, 25-17

Greece’s points came from 11 aces, 39 attacks, 3 blocks, and 22 opponent errors. Lithuania’s points came from 6 aces, 18 attacks, 4 blocks, and 17 opponent errors.

• Final Score: Greece 3-0 Lithuania (25-20, 25-08, 25-17) in 72 minutes.

GREECE (Kostas Gountas): Drempela 5 (5 aces), Katsali 7 (3/7 attacks, 4 aces), Tikmanidou 15 (13/24 attacks, 2 blocks, 40% reception – 7% excellent), Dimitriou 6 (4/8 attacks, 1 ace, 1 block), Nanou 12 (12/25 attacks, 64% reception – 27% excellent), Ioannidis 8 (7/21 attacks, 1 ace) / Bitsaktsi (libero, 67% reception – 42% excellent), Papathanasiou, Pitsouli.

LITHUANIA (Kestutis Galdikas): Vilkitska 7 (3/4 attacks, 4 aces), Bartkute 9 (7/27 attacks, 1 ace, 1 block), Nutautaite 4 (3/18 attacks, 1 ace, 50% reception – 17% excellent), Ivcenkaite, Rakauskaite 7 (4/5 attacks, 3 blocks), Denturite / Baranauskaite (libero, 17% reception – 8% excellent), Kulikauskaite, Chesnavitsiute, Voutulaite, Radavitsiute 1 (1/8 attacks, 22% reception – 0% excellent), Vitartaite.

Upcoming Match Schedule:

Monday, July 1st:

• Poland – Hungary 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-21)
• Turkey – Finland 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-22)
• Bulgaria – Germany 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-23)
• Greece – Lithuania 3-0 (25-20, 25-08, 25-17)

Tuesday, July 2nd:

• 12.00: Hungary – Finland
• 14.30: Poland – Lithuania
• 17.30: Bulgaria – Turkey
• 20.00: Germany – Greece

Wednesday, July 3rd:

• 12.00: Poland – Bulgaria
• 14.30: Turkey – Germany
• 17.30: Lithuania – Finland
• 20.00: Greece – Hungary

Friday, July 5th:

• 12.00: Hungary – Turkey
• 14.30: Bulgaria – Lithuania
• 17.30: Germany – Poland
• 20.00: Finland – Greece

Saturday, July 6th:

• 12.00: Turkey – Lithuania
• 14.30: Bulgaria – Finland
• 17.30: Germany – Hungary
• 20.00: Poland – Greece

Monday, July 8th:

• 12.00: Finland – Germany
• 14.30: Lithuania – Hungary
• 17.30: Turkey – Poland
• 20.00: Greece – Bulgaria

Tuesday, July 9th:

• 12.00: Lithuania – Germany
• 14.30: Hungary – Bulgaria
• 17.30: Finland – Poland
• 20.00: Greece – Turkey

Current Standings:

1. Greece: 1 win-0 losses, 3 points, 3-0 sets, 75-45 points
2. Poland: 1 win-0 losses, 3 points, 3-0 sets, 75-57 points
3. Turkey: 1 win-0 losses, 3 points, 3-0 sets, 75-61 points
4. Bulgaria: 1 win-0 losses, 3 points, 3-0 sets, 75-65 points
5. Germany: 0 wins-1 loss, 0 points, 0-3 sets, 65-75 points
6. Finland: 0 wins-1 loss, 0 points, 0-3 sets, 61-75 points
7. Hungary: 0 wins-1 loss, 0 points, 0-3 sets, 57-75 points
8. Lithuania: 0 wins-1 loss, 0 points, 0-3 sets, 45-75 points