A1 Womens25 January 2025
Women's Euro Cup: the "Orchette" shine, Tenerife defeated 15-9 in the first leg of the Semifinals
At the "Bruno Bianchi" facility, Trieste secured a 6-goal advantage, a valuable cushion ahead of the return match on February 15. Paolo Zizza: "Very satisfied with the performance, we showed great character."
The "Orchette" are shining in Europe. In the first leg of the Women’s Euro Cup semifinals, Pallanuoto Trieste claimed a crucial 15-9 victory over CN Tenerife Echeyde. At the "Bruno Bianchi" pool, the team sponsored by Samer & Co. Shipping secured an important win, giving them a 6-goal advantage heading into the return leg in Spain on February 15. "We played an excellent match, building a solid lead," said head coach Paolo Zizza. "I'm very satisfied with our performance. Despite a month-long break, our tactical mechanisms worked well. Now we must focus on the league with the same determination and character."
Match Report. Klatowski opened the scoring with an extra-player goal (1-0), followed by Gragnolati converting a penalty (2-0). Borg responded for Tenerife (2-1), but the "Orchette" extended their lead with another goal from Gragnolati and a spectacular volley from Koptseva assisted by Gant, closing the first quarter at 4-1. In the second quarter, Trieste continued their strong play. Goals from Vukovic and Citino pushed the lead to +5 (6-1), although Borg kept the Spanish side within reach (6-2). Captain Cergol then scored twice in quick succession (8-2). Dempsey reduced the deficit (8-3), but Guya Zizza restored the 6-goal margin (9-3) before Naya made it 9-4 at halftime.
The third period saw a reaction from Tenerife, cutting the gap to four goals twice, with strikes from Borg and a penalty by Dempsey. However, Cergol and Cordovani responded (11-6). Naya brought Tenerife closer again (11-7), but Gragnolati, capitalizing on a power play and a brilliant assist from De March, restored the 6-goal cushion (13-7) with 8 minutes remaining.
In the final quarter, Trieste tightened their defense. Goals from Colletta and Koptseva in power plays twice extended the lead to +7 (14-7 and 15-8), before late goals from Dempsey (penalty) and Ramos (extra-player situation) made it 15-9. Goalkeeper Sparano put the final stamp on the victory by saving a penalty from Naya, securing the definitive scoreline.
Now, focus shifts back to the domestic Serie A1 league. On Wednesday, January 29, at 2:30 PM, the "Orchette" will travel to Acireale to face Brizz Nuoto at the "Scuderi" pool.
PALLANUOTO TRIESTE - CN TENERIFE ECHEYDE 15-9 (4-1; 5-3; 4-3; 2-2)
PALLANUOTO TRIESTE: Sparano, Citino 1, De March, Cordovani 1, Gant, Cergol 3, Klatowski 1, Colletta 1, Gragnolati 4, Vukovic 1, G. Zizza 1, Apollonio, Koptseva 2. Head coach P. Zizza
CN TENERIFE ECHEYDE: Bello, Dempsey 3, Reynoso, Buscarons, Borg 3, Clapperton, Naya 2, Bennasar, Hernandez, Rodriguez, Ramos 1, Alcon, Costa. Head coach Cruz Torro
Referees: Blanchard (FRA) and Rakovic Krstonovic (SRB)
Match Report. Klatowski opened the scoring with an extra-player goal (1-0), followed by Gragnolati converting a penalty (2-0). Borg responded for Tenerife (2-1), but the "Orchette" extended their lead with another goal from Gragnolati and a spectacular volley from Koptseva assisted by Gant, closing the first quarter at 4-1. In the second quarter, Trieste continued their strong play. Goals from Vukovic and Citino pushed the lead to +5 (6-1), although Borg kept the Spanish side within reach (6-2). Captain Cergol then scored twice in quick succession (8-2). Dempsey reduced the deficit (8-3), but Guya Zizza restored the 6-goal margin (9-3) before Naya made it 9-4 at halftime.
The third period saw a reaction from Tenerife, cutting the gap to four goals twice, with strikes from Borg and a penalty by Dempsey. However, Cergol and Cordovani responded (11-6). Naya brought Tenerife closer again (11-7), but Gragnolati, capitalizing on a power play and a brilliant assist from De March, restored the 6-goal cushion (13-7) with 8 minutes remaining.
In the final quarter, Trieste tightened their defense. Goals from Colletta and Koptseva in power plays twice extended the lead to +7 (14-7 and 15-8), before late goals from Dempsey (penalty) and Ramos (extra-player situation) made it 15-9. Goalkeeper Sparano put the final stamp on the victory by saving a penalty from Naya, securing the definitive scoreline.
Now, focus shifts back to the domestic Serie A1 league. On Wednesday, January 29, at 2:30 PM, the "Orchette" will travel to Acireale to face Brizz Nuoto at the "Scuderi" pool.
PALLANUOTO TRIESTE - CN TENERIFE ECHEYDE 15-9 (4-1; 5-3; 4-3; 2-2)
PALLANUOTO TRIESTE: Sparano, Citino 1, De March, Cordovani 1, Gant, Cergol 3, Klatowski 1, Colletta 1, Gragnolati 4, Vukovic 1, G. Zizza 1, Apollonio, Koptseva 2. Head coach P. Zizza
CN TENERIFE ECHEYDE: Bello, Dempsey 3, Reynoso, Buscarons, Borg 3, Clapperton, Naya 2, Bennasar, Hernandez, Rodriguez, Ramos 1, Alcon, Costa. Head coach Cruz Torro
Referees: Blanchard (FRA) and Rakovic Krstonovic (SRB)
