DVC Lions Middle Laura Connolly was the game’s top scorer as Ireland lost their final game of the u22W European Championship Qualifying campaign in Portugal. Ireland were up against the 6th best team in Europe at this age group, Denmark (3:0, 25-9, 25-12, 25-19).
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Connolly was inspirational at the net as Ireland recorded more block kills than their Danish counterparts. In fact, her 10 points were the most recorded on either team. She was ably supported by Trinity College’s Lara McNichols whose miraculous save, and subsequent kill late in the second set, summed up this team’s never-say-die attitude.
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The Danes came out strong in the opening set, bringing forward the form that saw them take Ukraine to five sets earlier in the weekend. But Ireland got stronger as the game went on with Sophie Qunlivan-Nolan powering through the block on several occasions. Her Newbridge team mate Jess Dowling also got in on the act coordinating her pass and attack well with Shannon Kehoe. You could see the young Irish team growing in confidence more and more.Â
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In fact, this Ireland team was the youngest present in Paredes, just outside Porto, and at the end of the second set, five of the players on court will be eligible for next years u20 version.
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Into the third set and Ireland competed deep, with Cork’s 15-year old Gabi Smolen smoking an ace. They were going toe-to-toe with the opposition who needed captain Frida Brink at her brilliant best to get over the line in three sets.
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A really positive display from the young Ireland team, who have played some excellent volleyball against some world class opposition this weekend.
Pool A was eventually won by the hosts after a thrilling 5-set win against Ukraine, taking the final set 18-16.
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Volleyball Ireland would like to put on record their thanks to the Portugese Federation for hosting a fantastic event.
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Live Stream > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aa1vI4kJY0&list=PLZj9Hth2JEaDzNvG8_yVlWjhe6o2Cujxd&index=5
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