Brazilian Maria Clara-Lili finish the opening day with mixed results – Volleyball News

Brazil’s Liliane Maestrini and Maria Clara Salgado entered the Mazury Orlen Grand Slam women’s beach volleyball tournament in the Main Draw. They appeared in two matches on Wednesday and ended up with mixed result of 1-1.

Maria Clara-Lili attended Country Quota Playoffs and qualifying stages of various SWATCH FIVB World Tour events in the season, but rarely got a chance to reach the Main Draw. However, Mazury Orlen Grand Slam created a great opportunity for Brazilian pair to take part in the Main Draw.
First off, they were challenged by Slovakia’s Natalia Dubovcova and Dominika Nestarcova, who sent Maria Clara-Lili to first loss in the tournament. The Slovaks ladies came strong on the competitors and jumped to an early lead in the first set. They added quick points and inched their way to the first-set win at 21-13. Brazilian duo hit back aggressively in the second set and managed to overcome the opponents. They posted 21-17 and levelled the game score (1-1). In the third decisive set, Slovaks played better and clinched success with four points (15-11). The match ended in the favour of Slovakian pair, while Maria Clara-Lili suffered the loss.

After dropping the first match, Brazilian duo displayed a match-winning performance against Poland’s Pregowska-Bekier in the second fixture of the day. They claimed first victory of the tournament in 30 minutes by sending 21-14 and 21-13 on board.

Maria Clara shared her views in the following manner: “For me it is really good to be in the main draw. The whole season I’ve played country quota and qualification, it’s quite annoying, but you learn from it.” Speaking of her team’s overall performance, Clara said: “In the first match we played really good in the first set, but didn’t in the second and they deserved it (the win),” Maria Clara said. “I’m happy to be here, I didn’t plan to come originally, but I always enjoy playing here.
Likewise, her team-partner Lili expressed delight for being in the Main Draw of the Mazury Orlen Grand Slam. She hoped to do well in their next match against US team. Brazilian duo is scheduled to meet April Ross and Jennifer Kessy on Thursday. It will be a daunting task for Maria Clara-Lili to cope with the power of rival team that is ranked No. 1 in the competition. The top-seeded Ross/Kessy gave out an up to mark performance in their first two matches and claimed 2-0 record on Wednesday. Seemingly, they are in better shape to take away the next match. Check back for more news and updates.

 

Pregowska-Bekier of Poland suffers the home loss at Mazury Orlen Grand Slam – Volleyball News

Agnieszka Pregowska and Renata Bekier from Poland opened the 2012 SWATCH FIVB Mazury Orlen Grand Slam on Wednesday, August 15 and played two matches on the opening day of the tournament.

Despite having the competitive advantage of playing at home, the local pair failed to impress the audience and ended the day with devastating 0-2 result. Home duo was challenged by powerful teams from USA and Brazil, which did not allow the Polish ladies to delight their homes fans.

In the first fixture of the day, Pregowska/ Bekier crossed their ways with top-ranked American duo of April Ross and Jennifer Kessy. The Americans took a solid start in the match and influenced the hosts with a variety of attacks. They served with precision and hit the ball with great accuracy. The ball frequently landed on Polish side and raised the score of visiting pair by leaps and bounds. US tandem finished the opening stanza with eight points at 21-13.

Visitors carried the momentum into the following set and did not slow down. They hit the ball from all angles and availed every opportunity to score points. Polish duo totally collapsed in the second set and managed to score only six points, while the opposite side claimed the match points (21-6). Kessy/Ross pulled off success in the first match in only 29 minutes.

Following the loss of opening match, Pregowska/ Bekier came into contest with Brazil’s Maria Clara and Lili in second fixture of the day. 16^th-seeded Brazilian pair also launched power on the hosts and the home duo once again dropped the decision in straight sets 2-0 (21-14, 21-13).

Maria Clara formed a good combination with Lili and attempted successful attacks. On the other hand, Polish duo could not get the real form to lead the scores. Better digging and diving of Brazilians allowed them to save crucial points, while Poles dropped easy shots and suffered the set-back. The visiting team closed the first at 21-14 and dug up success in the next frame with similar margin, 21-13. Brazilian pair earned winning status whereas Poles received second defeat in a row.
Next up, the Polish team is scheduled to go against Slovakia’s Dubovcova-Nestarcova in the third match on Thursday. Local ladies are determined to demonstrate a better performance in the next match. Let’s wait and see if they manage to outdo the 17^th-seeded Slovak pair, which already has one victory in hand.