Division A: Spain triumphs in Bulgaria  - Jul. 22, 2007
Final

Serbia U20 - Spain U20 60:75
Spain U20 National team became the new European champions. In the final clash they edged Serbia 75:60 to complete their perfect campaign in Bulgaria. It became the first ever title for Spanish team at U20 level.
Serbia dominated at the start of the Final. They scored 7 unanswered points to open the game and led 21:5 midway through the opening frame. But a strong 8:0 run to cap the frame allowed Spain to cut the distance to 13:21. Serbia held on the lead throughout the second quarter due a solid percentage from beyond the arc. They were up 36:29 with 8 seconds left in the first half but Anna Carbo (176-F-88) draioned a trey to narrow the deficit to 32:36 at halftime.
Spain finally surged ahead 5 minutes into the third frame when Maria Pina nailed a jumper. Spain immediatelly ensured a 8:0 run to close the third quarter ahead 55:47. Spaniards were unstoppable at the start of the final frame as they rolled to another impressive 14:5 run to mark a 69:52 distance with 5 minutes left in regulation. Serbia were demoralized and had little chances to save the encounter. Spain triumphed in Sofia!
Silvia Dominguez (166-G-87) netted 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to pace Spain. Anna Carbo added 13 points and 5 steals in a winning effort. Miljana Musovic (180-G-87) provided 16 points for Serbia. Jovana Rad (187-F/C-87) had 15 points in a defeat.

Serbia U20: Miljana Musovic 16 points, Jovana Rad 15
Spain U20: Silvia Dominguez 21, Anna Carbo 13.


3rd-4th spots

France U20 - Turkey U20 65:63
France claimed Bronze medals at the U20 European championship that just finished in Sofia. They narrowly defeated Turkey in a dramatic last day encounter. Turkey were ahead 32:28 at halftime but France revived in the second half. They finally caught up with Turkey midway through the final quarter and held on to the lead. Digbeu made it 63:57 game for France with less than 2 minutes to go. Bahar Caglar drained two free throws and Gulnur Sandallioglu connected from afar to cut the deficit to 1 point with 47 seconds left. Ingrid Tanqueray converted two free throws and Bahar Caglar missed a jump shot to seal the win for France.

France U20: Jennifer Digbeu (190-F/C-87) 12 points, Laetitia Kamba (186-C-87) 11+13 boards
Turkey U20: Melike Bakircioglu (189-F-87) 15, Seda Erdogan (170-F-87, college: Dodge City CC) 14

5th-6th spots

Belgium U20 - Italy U20 78:75
Belgium U20 National team overcame Italy on the last day of the European championship in Bulgaria to claim the 5th spot in the final ladder. Belgian team posted an overall record of 5-3 at the tournament.
Belgium had a confident start to the game as they led 9:2 early on. However Chiara Consolini (182-F-88) drained 8 points at the end of the first frame to lift Italy ahead 21:20.
Benedetta Bagnara (178-G-87, agency: LBM Management) and Chiara Rossi opened the second quarter with straight three pointers to put Italy up 27:22. But Belgium's 11:0 run midway through the frame allowed them to regain the advantage 36:30 and stay in front 39:34 at halftime. Belgium spurred to a perfect third frame and outscored their opponents 24:13 to enter the final quarter leading comfortably 63:47. Italy's fierce comeback effort resulted in cutting the deficit to just 4 points with less than 3 minutes to go in the game. But Lieselot Malfait scored 3 straight points and Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87) added three free throws to seal a victory for Belgian side.
Sara Leemans (178-G/F-88) topscored for Belgium with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Marjorie Carpreaux had 16 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Chiara Consolini and Benedetta Bagnara nailed 17 points apiece to pace Italy. Silvia Sarni added 13 points and 13 rebounds in a loss. Italy outrebounded the winners 40:38 but lacked accuracy converting just 27.1% of two pointers. Belgium hit 53.3% of their jumpers.

Belgium U20: Sara Leemans 19 points, Marjorie Carpreaux 16
Italy U20: Chiara Consolini 17, Benedetta Bagnara 17.

   Division A: Full coverage of the first Qualifying Day - Jul. 18, 2007
GROUP E

Belgium U20-Russia U20 64:73 (10-17, 9-17, 26-14, 19-25)

Russia U20 which is one of the favorites in Sofia won the first game of the Qualifying Round at the U20 European Championship for Women. Belgium trailed 34:19 at the break and tied at 44:44. Elena Gogiya (190-F-87, agency: LBM Management) (190-F-87, agency: LBM Management) led the winners with 19 points. Mariya Korovkina (178-G-87) posted 13, while Natalya Myasoedova (192-C-87) added 13. Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87) top-scored for Belgium with 18 points.

Russia scored first six points in the game and looked more organized than Belgium. The favorites controlled the game and won the first quarter 17:10.
In the second quarter Russia increased the lead and had 10 points advantage after Zhuzhgova hit a free throw (27:17). Tatiana Yumashina (167-G-87) brought 15 points difference as both teams went to the interims.
In the third quarter Belgium was unrecognizable. The team came back to the game and Virginie Michiels (179-F-87) tied the score at 44:44. Natalya Myasoedova still kept Russia in front after third, 48:45.
In the last quarter Russia pushed the tempo and won the quarter 25:19. The victory was achieved even though the game was tough.


Belgium U20: Marjorie Carpreaux 18, Marc Virginie Michiels 11
Russia U20: Elena Gogiya 19, Mariya Korovkina 13, Natalya Myasoedova 13

Belarus U20-Spain U20 56:68 (15-15, 23-8, 9-16, 9-29)

After Belarus smashed Hungary we see another team in the tournament. Last night Belarus proved it in the game with the favorite. Belarus was leading 15 points after the half, however could not achieve the win. As a result Spain smashed two next quarters to win 68:56. Patricia Arguello (179-F-87) (179-F-87) led the winners with 25 points. Maria Pina (187-F-87) posted 15, while Laura Gimeno (194-F/C-87) added 9 points and 10 rebounds. Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G-88) top-scored for the underdogs with 16 points.
Belarus plays better and better and now will still have time to make troubles in the group. The team started with 7-2 run over the favorites of the Championship, Spain. The latter escaped in the first at 15:15. The second quarter was a disaster for Spain as Belarus increased to 15 points lead.
In the third quarter Spain came back into the game and started to reduce. Spain's defence limited Belarus to just two points in the first three minutes of the fourth quarter as they went on a 9-2 run cut deficit 49:48. Maria Pina's three-ball gave Spain the lead for good at 54:53 with five minutes remaining. It was not Belarusian time when the favorites led to the end with 68:56.

Belarus U20: Tatsiana Likhtarovich 16, Viktoria Hasper (193-C-88) 13
Spain U20: Patricia Arguello 25, Maria Pina 15, Laura Gimeno 9+10 rebs

Serbia U20-Greece U20 78:47 (19-7, 7-17, 32-14, 20-9)

Serbia U20 smashed Greece in the first game of the Qualifying round. With 32:14 in the third the answer for the winner was clear. Adrijana Knezevic (184-F-87) (184-F-87) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Zorica Mitov(189-C-87) ended up with 13, while Jovana Rad(187-F/C-87) and Tamara Radocaj(168-G-87) finished with 11 points each. Anastasia Gkotzi (170-G-87) paced the losing effort with 18 points.

With 11:2 and 17:4 Serbia started to ruin Greece. The quarter was finished as Serbia had 19:7 advantage. Greece did not give up so early in the game and after 11:20 returned at 22:22. Anastasia Gkotzi with a jump shot suggested to start the game from the beginning.
In the third quarter Spain benefited at once. After some baskets and the score is 55:35. Serbia kept up the intensity and limited Greece to just seven points over the next nine minutes while they scored 20 to cruise home. Serbia outrebounded Greece 39-25 and achieved the fourth win in the tournament.
Today Serbia will meet Russia as the game will be the key game of the day. Greece will play with Belarus, that plays better and better.

Serbia U20: Adrijana Knezevic 19+7 rebs, Zorica Mitov 13, Jovana Rad 11, Tamara Radocaj 11
Greece U20: Anastasia Gkotzi 18, Evangelia Katopodi(188-F/C-87) 16

GROUP B

Germany U20-Latvia U20 51:52 (13-7, 16-12, 14-14, 8-19)

Latvia U20 grabbed the first win in the Qualifying Round of Group F. The team edged Germany 52:51 with 19-8 in the last quarter. Anete Horelika (177-G/F-87) led the winners with 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Aija Putnina (191-F-88) supported her with 17 points. Anna-Christine Gorg (190-F-87) produced a good game for Germany nailing 18 points and making 17 rebounds.

Germany went on a 5-0 lead in the opening tip of the game. The team kept Latvia winless in the first 5 minutes of the first quarter. Germany won the first quarter 13:7 and looked forward to the second. A great team game in the second brought results as Germany increased the score. Birte Thimm (180-F-87) with a jump-shot gave Germany 22:11 lead.
Latvia went on a 10-1 surge to reduce the deficit 44:43 and eventually tied the game at 50:50. When the score was 52:51 for the Baltic team Franziska Hore (171-G-88) missed a jumper with 0.7 seconds on the clock. Latvia celebrated a 52:51 win and improved to 2-1 in the group.

Today Latvia faces France that is 3-0 in the group. Germany will meet Turkey that stays second with 2-1.

Germany U20: Anna-Christine Gorg 18+17 rebs, Romy Bar (187-F-87) 11+10 rebs, Margret Skuballa (185-F-87) 9+11 rebs
Latvia U20: Anete Horelika 20+7 rebs, Aija Putnina 17+9 rebs

Bulgaria U18-Turkey U18 67:68 (27-19, 9-16, 17-15, 14-18)

Bulgaria U20 lost the first game of the Qualifying Round in Sofia. A great start did not allow the hosts to feel comfortable in the rest of the game with Turkey. The latter caught up and bounced back with 18:14 in the last. Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) led the winners with 23 points and 19 rebounds, while Melike Bakircioglu (189-F-87) added 18. Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) top-scored for Bulgaria with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Ekaterina Dimitrova (182-G-87) netted 11 and Ilieva and Aneta Miteva (181-G-88) produced 8 points each.

Bulgaria felt very optimistic in the opening tip going to 5-0 run. Jaklin Zlatanova made sure her team is on top edging Turkey to 16:3. The latter woke up later in the first and finished with 27:19.
Turkey won the second quarter and closed to the hosts at only 1 points. Sandallioglu's three sent the teams to the interims with 36:35 for Bulgaria.
The game had the familiar strategy in the third quarter as both teams realized the importance of the last. With 36 seconds remaining in the game Turkey was leading 66:63, Lilyana Ilieva's jumper made it a 1 point game. Gulnur Sandallioglu (187-F-87) followed with a layup to put Turkey up three. Ekaterina Dimitrova was fouled and with just two seconds remaining had to shoot two free throws. She scored both of them and let Turkey to finish the game with the ball.

Bulgaria U18: Jaklin Zlatanova 25+11 rebs, Ekaterina Dimitrova 11+8 rebs, Ilieva 8, Aneta Miteva 8
Turkey U18: Bahar Caglar 23+19 rebs, Melike Bakircioglu 18+9 rebs

France U20-Italy U20 61:51 (12-17, 21-8, 16-13, 12-13)

France U20 stays unbeaten in U20 European Championship for Women. In the first game of the Qualifying Round the team overcame Italy 61:51. Traling 12:17 after the first France reinforced and dominated in the court. Jennifer Digbeu (190-F/C-87) (190-F/C-87) led the winners in scoring with 12 points. Laetitia Kamba (186-C-87) added 11 and pulled down 10 rebounds as three other players ended up with 8. Valeria Battisodo (175-G-88) was the only one who reached the double digits scoring 12 points in defeat.

Italy started with 0-3 in the opening tip however bounced back in the end of the quarter. Lia Rebecca Valerio (180-G-87) with a lay-up brought Italians 17:12 lead after first 10 minutes. France hit back and outscored their opponents 21-8 in the second quarter. Italy trailed 33:25 at the half time.
In the third quarter France increased the lead to 11 points. Jannault with a free throw made the score 49:38 for the favorites. The Italians fought hard and gave themselves a chance as they cut the deficit 56:48 with five minutes remaining. France meanwhile did not stop and led the game to 61:51 win.

France U20: Jennifer Digbeu 12, Laetitia Kamba 11+10 rebs
Italy U20: Valeria Battisodo 12, Lia Rebecca Valerio 9

   Division B: Tuesday's results  - Jul. 18, 2007
GROUP A
Switzerland U20 - Great Britain U20 70:80
Switzerland U20 National team remained winless at the European championship in Lithuania. In round 3 of the tournament Swiss team suffered a 70:80 loss to Great Britain. Switzerland enjoyed an early lead as they were in front after the opening frame 16:12. Marielle Giroud (180-F/C-87) netted 10 points in the quarter to pace Swiss squad. She opened the second quarter with another jumper to set the tone for Switzerland and they managed to maintain the advantage throughout the second quarter. However Lauren Thomas-Johnson (176-G-88)'s trey made it a tie game at halftime 35:35.
Thomas-Johnson also capped the third quarter with 3 points to make it 52:50 for British team. Helen Naylor (180-F-87) delivered 5 straight points at the beginning of the final frame to put Great Britain ahead 57:52. She hit another trey later and Lauren Thomas-Johnson added another one to spur to a 65:55 gap with 5 minutes remaining. Switzerland cut the deficit to 4 points 70:74 with 50 seconds left in regulation. But Thomas-Johnson and Naylor were perfect from free throw line to seal the win for Great Britain.
Lauren Thomas-Johnson led all scorers with 26 points. Helen Naylor provided 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Viola Augugliaro (168-G-89) scored team-high 19 points for Swiss team. Marielle Giroud added another 16 points and 11 boards in a losing effort.
Switzerland remained at the bottom of Group A with a 0-3 record. They face Netherlands in the last encounter of the preliminary round. Great Britain improved to 2-1 record and occupy the second spot in the ladder.

Switzerland U20: Viola Augugliaro 19 points, Marielle Giroud 16+11 boards, Fanny Morend (174-F-89) 15
Great Britain U20: Lauren Thomas-Johnson 26, Helen Naylor 17.

Holland U20-Lithuania U20 87:81 (17-23, 12-17, 19-12, 17-13, 7-7, 15-9)

Lithuania U20 gets the first loss in the U20 European Championship. In the fourth game for the team the hosts of the tournament were upset by Holland in two-overtimes thriller. Having 11 points deficit after the first half Lithuania could not keep the score for good. Holland reached the opponents in the last and advantaged in the end. Marie Hoogstraten (175-F-88) (175-F-88) led the winners with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Francisca Donders (170-G-89) (170-G-89) chipped in 17 points and made 9 assists, while Anneloes Kodde (180-F-88) posted 13. Sarune Jasiunskaite (188-F-88) had a great game with 19 points and 24 rebounds.

Lithuania had 3 wins and no losses in the tournament they are hosting. Meanwhile Holland lost first two games and stayed winless before the game. It was not a surprise that Lithuania went on a lead as they increased throughout the opening quarter.
In the second quarter Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) gave the hosts 8 points lead (25:17) and then Aglinskaite's free throw brought 11 points. The biggest lead Lithuania had in the beginning of the third as they had 42:29 after Greta Luksyte (178-G-87)'s jump shot.
Holland reduced in the last quarter as Marie Hoogstraten sent the teams to the overtime. The hosts were leading the whole overtime but in the end had to postpone to another one with Greta Luksyte 2 points.
There were no strength for the hosts in the second overtime as Holland won 87:81.

Holland U20: Marie Hoogstraten 22+10 rebs, Francisca Donders 17+9 ast, Anneloes Kodde 13
Lithuania U20: Sarune Jasiunskaite19+24 rebs, Laima Rickeviciute 12

GROUP B

Sweden U20-Montenegro U20 62:58 (20-13, 18-15, 12-15, 12-15)

Sweden U20 changed 0 in Montenegro's losing column beating them 62:58 on Tuesday. Making the 10 points deficit in the first half the Scandinavian team led the game to the happy end. Frida Aili (178-G-88) (178-G-88) paced the winners with 16 points. Frida Grahn (184-F-88) posted 14 points and made 11 rebounds, while Malin Edlund (183-F-88) and Elisabeth Egnell (185-F-87) added 9. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87)'s effort was not enough in defeat as she poured in 26 points and made 8 rebounds.

Even the first quarter was divided into two parts. In the opening tip of the game Montenegro went on a 8-2 lead after Jelena Culafic (174-G-89) hit a jumper. Sweden controlled the second part of the quarter and won the first 20:13 due to the lay-up by Frida Grahn.
In the second quarter the advantage of the Swedish team was 12 points, however they finished at 38:28. The same ten points difference were on the board in the third quarter, but Jelena Dubljevic reduced in the end to 50:43.
With less than 4 minutes in the game Sweden still had 10 points, but first Aleksic's three and then her lay-up and Jelena Dubljevic jump shto brought 60:57. Sweden stayed cool as Elisabeth Egnell made 62:58 on the board.

Sweden U20: Frida Aili 16, Frida Grahn 14+11 rebs, Malin Edlund 9, Elisabeth Egnell 9
Montenegro U20: Jelena Dubljevic 26+8 rebs, Jelena Culafic 17

Romania U20-Poland U20 50:52 (10-11, 11-5, 14-19, 15-17)

Romania lost the second game in the U20 Euriopean Championship in Lithuania. In the third game of the group Romania was defeated by Poland 50:52. A pity loss was mostly taken in the second hakl as Poland won by 7 points. Joanna Zalesiak (173-F-88) led the winners with 12 points. Marta Micula (188-C-87) produced 10 points and made 8 rebounds, while Lidia Kopczyk (171-G-88) added 8. Gabriela Marginean (185-F-87) was the only player for Romanian team who had a double digits scoring 21 points.
It was a good start for Romanian team as they went on a 5-0 run. Unfortunately they could keep the score and after Lidia Kopczyk's three Poland grabbed 10:11 lead. The second quarter was the most defensive as both teams scored only 16 points together. Gabriela Marginean gave Romania 21:16 after she scored a three ponter with 8 seconds left in the first half.

In the second half Poland came back to the game. The team controlled the quarter and both teams had 35 points before the last 10 minutes of the game. Again Poland led the whole fourth quarter and only Claudia Pop (185-F-89)'s free throw tied the scote at 50:50 with 47 seconds remaining. With only 1 second left in the game Marta Micula brought the victory for Poland.

Romania U20: Gabriela Marginean 21, Claudia Pop 9
Poland U20: Joanna Zalesiak 12, Marta Micula 10+8 rebs, Lidia Kopczyk 8

   Division A: Classification Round  - Jul. 17, 2007 
Classification Round has started today in Sofia of E20 European Championship. Four winless teams will fin out the places between 13 and 16. Ukraine and Czech Republic won the games and now are not considered 'winless' anymore.

Israel U20-Ukraine U20 88:92 OT(16-16, 27-18, 14-25, 16-14, 15-19)

Ukraine U20 celebrated the first win in Sofia at U20 European Championship. In the first Classification game over Israel, Ukraine took an overtime victory 92:88. It was a pleasure to watch the overtime as the teams scored more points in it in comparison with the fourth quarter. Arina Lysyuk was unstoppable for the winners with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Oleksandra Polishchuk posted 20, while Olga Dubrovina added 14. Karin Agassi top-scored for Israel with 23 points and Ekaterina Abramzon produced defensive game with 14 points and 20 rebounds.

Shalom scored first 2 points for israel to give her team the lead of 2-0. The next lead Israeli team saw only in the end of the opening quarter after Ekaterina Abramzon made a lay-up. Arina Lysyuk with a three tied the score after first 10 minutes.
A great second quarter produced Israel in the game as they reached 9 points advantage. A 43:34 sent the teams to the interims. In the third quarter Ukraine came back to the game and even finished the third with 59:57 as Olga Dubrovina hit the jumper.
The fourth quarter was not so reach in the baskets, so the spectators enjoyed the overtime more. In overtime Ukraine led from the first minutes and led the game to its first victory.

The rest of the games:
17.07.2007
Israel - Ukraine 88 - 92
Hungary - Czech Republic 61 - 72
19.07.2007
Czech Republic - Israel
Ukraine - Hungary
21.07.2007
Israel - Hungary
Czech Republic - Ukraine

   Division B: Full coverage of day 3 - Jul. 16, 2007
Group A

Lithuania U20 - Great Britain U20 63:57
Lithuanian team stayed unbeaten after the third round of the U20 European championship. They rolled over Great Britain to secure the third straight victory and remained on top of Group A standings.
British team looked super motivated as they opened the game with an impressive 9:1 run to leave the hosts behind. But Lithuania leveled the game at the end of the opening frame to complete it trailing by just a single point 13:14. They took the lead early in teh second quarter after Julita Bungaite drove to the basket for a layup. The teams exchanged the blows throughout the second frame and completed the first half tied at 25.
Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) posted a couple of successful offensive plays to help Lithuania pile up a 45:39 advantage entering the final quarter. Lithuania wisely secured the distance in the final 10 min utes and celebrated a well-deserved win at the end.
Laima Rickeviciute produced 17 points and 8 rebounds for Lithuania. Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) netted another 10 points for the home side. Johannah Leedham (178-G-87) notched game-high 25 points for British team. Lauren Thomas-Johnson (176-G-88) had 9 points and 8 rebounds in a losing case.
Lithuania seats on top of Group A and plays against Netherlands in their final encounter of preliminary round. Great Britain fell to 1-1 record and will try to improve versus Switzerland tomorrow.

Lithuania U20: Laima Rickeviciute 17 points, Aurime Rinkeviciute 10, Indre Dudenaite (183-F-88) 9
Great Britain U20: Johannah Leedham 25, Lauren Thomas-Johnson 9

Switzerland U20 - Portugal U20 57:58

Group B

Poland U20-Sweden U20 53:49 (14-17, 16-6, 8-16, 15-10)
It was the game that belonged to Sweden, however Poland won it. The Swedish team got the first loss in U20 european Championship losing the game 49:53. Joanna Zalesiak (173-F-88) (173-F-88) led the winners with 25 points. Marta Urbaniak (189-F-87) and Magda Bibrzycka (183-F-88) posted 11 points each. Elisabeth Egnell (185-F-87) top-scored with 20 points and 8 rebounds in the losing effort.

Sweden scored first 9 points in the game and it seemed that the game should be over. Sweden tied at 14 points each, however Johanna Kallman (172-G-87) with a three led Sweden ahead.
Poland tasted the first lead when Marta Urbaniak made 21:19. Joanna Zalesiak closed the second quarter with 30:23. Sweden came back quickly and even led 1 point after 30 minutes. Both teams came prepared for the last quarter of the game. Sweden however never led the game in the last but three times tied the score. In the end of the game with 50:49 the Swedish team did not have any more strength. As a result Poland won 53:49 and increased to 2-1.

Poland U20: Joanna Zalesiak 25, Marta Urbaniak 11, Magda Bibrzycka 11
Sweden U20: Elisabeth Egnell 20+8 rebs, Johanna Kallman 8

   Division A: The end of the Preliminary round  - Jul. 16, 2007 
Preliminary Round has finished in Division A of European Championship in Sofia. Three teams from each group advanced to the Qualifying Round while the last teams of the group were sent to the Classification.

In Group A Spain won the group beating Greece in the last game 67:47. Maria Pina led the winners in the third game in a row with 18 points.
Russia U20 finished the Preliminary Round with a victory over Israel 94:65. That was the second win for Russia in U20 European Championship for Women. Anna Sokolova (185-F-87) led the winners with 16 points. Natalya Myasoedova (192-C-87) netted 15 and made 8 rebounds, while Valeriya Musina (183-G-87) added 12. Karin Agassi (172-G-88) top-scored in the losing effort with 15 points as Israel ended up at 0-3. It was a fabulous show by the Russia team in the opening quarter as the team nailed 34 points. Olga Petrova started with 9-1 run that followed to such a beginning. In the second quarter Beglova made the score inappropriate at 40:16. Valeriya Musina with a free throw finished the half at 56:28.
In the second Russia stormed in the third quarter with 24:15 to feel comfortable in the end. Israel won the last quarter 14:22 and was sent to the Classification Round.

   Division A: second day - Jul. 15, 2007
Israel U20-Spain U20 80:71 (20-22 5-28 19-20 27-10)
Spain U20 celebrated the second win in U20 European Championship for Women. The second win for Spain, 80:71 was the second loss for Israel. It was again Maria Pina (187-F-87) who led the way for the winners. Spanish squad overwhelmed the opponents in the second quarter with 28:5 win. De La Fuente posted 12 points and made 10 rebounds, while Laura Gimeno (194-F/C-87) ended up with 11. Ekaterina Abramzon (186-F-87) top-scored with 22 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort.
Spain U20 started in a very good manner taking control from the first minutes. The favorites nailed first 10 points of the game and dominated in the court. Israel meanwhile could reduce already in the end of the first after Ekaterina Abramzon scored 4 points and closed to 20:22.
Spain got off to a flying start and by halftime had a commanding 50:25 lead. That happened after the team stormed with a 28:5 in the second quarter. Israel did not give up and created an 18-5 run to cut the deficit to 75:62. It was the second win for the Spanish squad that will face Greece in the last game of the group.

Spain U20: Maria Pina 21, De La Fuente 12+10 rebs, Laura Gimeno 11
Israel U20: Ekaterina Abramzon 22+12 rebs, Liel Ohanon (182-F-88) 17+9 rebs

Russia U20-Greece U20 75:53 (17-8, 22-18, 24-16, 12-11)
Russia U20 got the first win at the U20 European Championship for Women. Last night the defending champions destroyed Greece 75:53. Russia won all the quarters and looked much better than the opponent. Elena Gogiya (190-F-87) led the winners with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Natalya Myasoedova (192-C-87) collected 11 points and made 10 rebounds, while Olga Zhuzhgova (203-C-88) posted 10. Evangelia Katopodi (188-F/C-87) was the best in the losing effort nailing 13 points and 8 rebounds.

Greece U20 had the lead only once in the game after Spyridopoulou nailed a three pointer. The rest of the game belonged to Russia. Musina finished the 17-5 for the Russian team and only Tremkatzi with a three could reduce the score in the first.
Russia increased to 24:12 but Greece scored 5 points in a row to stay close again. Elena Gogiya ended up the half with 39:26 for the Russian squad.
In the second half Russia limited Greece to one point as they went on a 11-1 run to storm to a 50:27 lead. That was not a big deal to lead the game to the first win at the U20 European Championship for Women.

Russia will face Israel tonight in the last game of the first round.

Russia U20: Elena Gogiya 14+7 rebs, Natalya Myasoedova 11+10 rebs, Olga Zhuzhgova 10
Greece U20: Evangelia Katopodi 13+8 rebs, Maria Bousnaki (182-G-89) 10+8 rebs

   Sofia opens the doors for Division A - Jul. 14, 2007
U20 European Championship for Women started in Sofia. Sixteen teams are divided into 4 groups with 4 teams in each. Three teams from th groups will advance to the Qualifying round.
In the first day of Group A Russia being the defending champion of the previous U20 European championship lost the opener to Spain 68:72. A great defensive game by the Spanish team in the third quarter brought success. Russia won the second half, however the wins in every quarter were minimum. Russia trailed only 1 points with 30 seconds remaining, but could not reach the Spanish squad. Maria Pina (187-F-87) top-scored for the winners with 22 points, while Patricia Arguello netted 15. Olga Petrova (178-G-88) paced Russia with 15, as Natalya Myasoedova scored 10.
That was the first game in the group and probably one of the most interesting. As it was already mentioned Russia triumphed last time. Spanish team is made up of many players who won the U18 title one year ago, so the game brought lots of interest even before the whistle. In the opening quarter Spain dominated in the court, but finished with only 19:18. The second quarter was poor for Russia as they scored only 8 points. Both teams went for the interims with 32:26 for Spain. The latter kept their noses in front and went into the last stanza leading 51:46. In the last quarter Russia struck with a 9-0 run to reduce at 69:68 with 30 seconds remaining. Maria Pina's three-ball with 15 seconds brought the first win for her team.
Israel U20 lost the opener of the competitions to Greece 54:73. Greece won first three quarters and relaxed in the last. Anthoula Balta (178-G-87) led the winners with 19 points. Ekaterina Abramzon (186-F-87) scored 13 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Israel.

In Group B Belgium U20 smashed Belarus with 29:14 in the last quarter to celebrate 68:63 win. Belarus looked to be in control with a 53:43 but could not stay cool. Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87) led the winners with 15 points and 10 assists. Sara Leemans (178-G/F-88) chipped in 13, while Fanny Vandesteene posted 12. Tatsiana Likhtarovich top-scored in the game with 23 points for Belarus.Many players returned from U21 Championship for Belgium. Two best players Marjorie Carpreaux and Sara Leemans were on top to help Belgium to come back. Belarus started with 18:14 in the opening quarter and looked very optimistic in the game. The second quarter was tied at 11 points from both teams that gave still 4-points deficit of the Belarus team. In the third quarter Belarus looked to be in control with a 53:43 lead early in the fourth quarter. It was Marjorie Carpreaux who led the Belgians back as she was unstoppable in the end. She poured in nine points in a 17:6 surge. At that time belgium took a 60:59 lead to finish the game with a bigger advantage.
Serbia U20 grabbed the first win in the U20 European Championship for Women. The first team to be defeated was Hungary with 83:63 win. With 30:12 in the second Serbia led to a happy end. Jovana Rad and Ivana Musovic led the winners with 17 points. Their team mate Knezevic ended up with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Kata Furtos top-scored with 16 points in the losing effort. Serbia U18 celebrated the win in the same tournament but for the smaller girls. Now, Serbia U20 will try to have a good participation in Sofia. In the opener of the tournament Hungary started better as they took the first quarter with 24:20. Meanwhile Serbia stormed in the second and smashed the opponent 30:12. That was a great come back and allowed Serbians to control the rest of the game.
Hungary however did not give up and produced a good 14:11 third quarter. Not to have any questions in the end Serbia won the last quarter 22:13 and got the first win in the Championship.
Today Serbia meets Belarus, while Hungary will face Belgium.

Turkey and Italy grabbed the first wins in Group C. Turkey beat Czech Republic 87:80 with 25 points and 15 rebounds from Tereza Peckova. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) led Italy over Latvia with 26 points. Her team celebrated 71:65 win due to 17:11 in the last quarter.

In Group D Bulgarian National team started victoriously at U20 European championship in Sofia after beating Ukraine 81:69 on the opening day in “Universiada” arena. The girls of Tina Dimitrova snapped off their opponent after the break, when the score was 40:41. Tarbes Zlatanova finished with double figures 25 points and 12 rebounds, Alghero Dimitrova added 18 points, 6 boards and 5 assists.
In another game France overcame Germany 83:65 with 20 points from Melanie Arnaud.

   Division B: welcome to Druskininkai  - Jul. 14, 2007
Division B of U20 European Championship has started in Druskininkai, Lithuania. Five teams in each group will struggle for the Quarterfinals which means that even the 4th place in the group will advance to that stage.
In Group A Lithuania had a successful opening of the home U20 European championship. They overcame Switzerland in Group A action. Indre Dudenaite began the game with a trey and set the tone. The home side played aggressive basketball and definetely surpassed the opponents defensively. Swiss team however was not taken aside and held on to an ealy 14:13 lead after the opening frame. The teams remained close midway through the second quarter when Lithuania started to take off. Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90)'s three pointer initiated a 13:1 run and established a 40:26 Lithuania's advantage at halftime.Vitalija Vasciunaite's long jumper continued Lithuania's roll in the second half as they hit 5 unanswered points to enlarge the lead. Switzerland could not scrape through a dense defence and struggled to convert. The gap grew drastically and reached a 53:36 mark entering the final quarter. An 11:1 run at the very start of the final stanza erased any doubts about the winning outcome for the hosts. They allowed the bench to log some minutes and cruised to an overall win.
Aurime Rinkeviciute topscored for Lithuania with 15 points off the bench. Laima Rickeviciute helped her teammate with another 12 points and 10 rebounds. Switzerland were paced by 11 points and 13 rebounds from Marielle Giroud.Sarune Jasiunskaite grabbed 16 boards to maintain Lithuania's dominance under the rims. They outrebounded Switzerland 65:40 and forced them to as many as 24 turnovers.
Portuguese U20 National team was victoriuos in the U20 European championship Division B opener. They had a strong second and third frames to claim a 81:72 win over Netherlands.
Netherlands got to a better start to this one and grabbed an early 15:2 lead. Portugal however closed the opening quarter with a 8:0 run with Nadia Tavares (176-F-88) and Nadia Palongo scoring 4 points apiece. Francisca Donders nailed a trey to start the second frame with but Portugal were on the way back as they posted another 12:0 run and surged ahead 22:18. Both teams kept it close in the second quarter and completed the first half with Portugal leading a single point 36:35. Larisse Lima (177-G/F-88) netted 6 points at the beginning of the third quarter to put Portugal in front 48:39. Lima added two three pointers to lift Portugal to a 61:49 gap entering the final quarter. Netherlands tried to maintain a striking distance and closed the gap to 6 points with 51 seconds left. But Lima's free throw and Catia Lirio's jumper secured a winning outcome for Portuguese team. Larisse Lima produced 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the action for Portugal. Ana Paula Silva contributed 18 points to ensure the victory. Myrthe Beld had 21 points, 5 assists and 6 steals for Netherlands. Francisca Donders had 17 points and 6 rebounds in a loss. Portugal topped Group A and will now face hosting Lithuania today. Netherlands will try to bounce back against Great Britain later tonight.

In Group B Romanian U20 National team succeeded in their first game at the U20 European championship in Division B in Lithuania. They started Group B action with a 71:63 victory over Ireland.
Romania had a shaky start to the game as they trailed 17:23 after the opening frame. Miriam Byrne's straight three pointers lifted Irish team to a 10:3 lead and they held to it throughout the first frame. Rachel Clancy kept Ireland ahead at the start of the second frame but gradually Romania took command. Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) ignited Romania's 16:5 run to cap the first half and grab a 37:32 advantage. Rachel Clancy sparked with 12 points in first 5 minutes of the third quarter to regain the lead for Ireland 48:43. Romania returned with the start of the final frame and Elisabeth Pavel nailed a jumper to tie the score 50:50. She later added another two-point attempt to put Romania up 60:53. Kelly Johnston hit from beyond the arc to cut the deficit to 59:66 with 1.39 left in regulation. But Romanian players did not allow the opponents to come closer and celebrated a hard-fought win at the end. Gabriela Marginean topscored for the winners with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Andra Ionescu secured another 15 points for Romania. Rachel Clancy poured in game-high 29 points for Ireland.

Montenegro dominated the first part of the game and deservedly celebrated a 78:67 victory over Poland in the first encounter in Group B of the U20 European championship in Lithuania.
Montenegrin team started the game in Drusininkai confidently and drove to a 20:15 advantage after the starting quarter. They continued to roll in the second frame and posted a 10:1 run to clear off to a safe 30:16 distance. Malgorzata Kudlak (186-F-88) produced a trey at the end of the second quarter to minimize the damage for Polish squad 32:38. But Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) remained perfect offensively to keep Montenegro ahead. She netted 6 consecutive points to put Montenegro ahead 50:43. Snezana Aleksic was accurate from afar and Dubljevic added another jumper to cap the third quarter and secure a 59:47 lead to Montenegrin side. Milica Jovanovic (186-F-89) notched another 5 straight points for an unassailable 66:51 lead. Montenegro eased to a 78:67 victory at the end and climbed on top of Group B standings. Jelena Dubljevic led Montenegro with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Milica Jovanovic provided 15 points and 13 boards for the winners. Mirela Pultorak and Mara Urbaniak replied with 10 points apiece for Poland.