Olympiacos has taken a significant step towards claiming their tenth consecutive title in the Women’s A1 league after a convincing 13-9 victory over Vouliagmeni in the first play-off final.
The Red-White team secured their fourth win of the season against the Nautical Club, displaying a dominant performance. Despite missing five penalties, which was partly due to Marina Kotsioni’s outstanding hat-trick of penalty saves, Aleksandar Ciric’s team could have achieved an even more comfortable result.
The upcoming final is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 18th, at Laimos Swimming Pool. Olympiacos will hope to take the title in straight sets, as their men’s team did this evening.
Olympiacos 13 – 9 NC Vouliagmeni (5-3, 3-3, 3-1, 2-2)
Olympiacos: C. Diamantopoulou, E. Plevritou 2, I. Chydirioti 2, N. Eleftheriadou, F. Tricha 2, E. Xenaki, C. Siouti, M. Plevritou 1, S. Tournarou, V. Plevritou 2, K. Christmas 1, M. Myriokefalitaki 2, I. Stamatopoulou, S. Santa, Z. Tjortzakaki
Vouliagmeni: M. Kotisoni, S. Kaiafa 1, D. Kalogeropoulou, E. Elliniadi 2, A. Giannopoulou 1, A. Ridge 3, E. Tankeeva 1, K. Stratidaki, D. Andreadi, M. Mimidis, F. Angelidis, M. Patra, M. Markatseli, N. Krassa.
Eleftheria Plevritou showcased her prowess with a three-goal contribution, complemented by a brace from her younger sister, Vasiliki, as well as double scores from Foteini Tricha and former Vouliagmeni player, Ioanna Chydirioti.
Aussie Stinger Amy Ridge demonstrated her scoring ability with three well-executed finishes, but once again, it was their goalkeeper, Marina Kotsioni, who deserved significant credit for her exceptional performance in the match.
Vouliagmeni must find a way to believe that they can achieve what they haven’t managed to do all season: defeat Olympiacos in the return leg. While it is not an impossible task, the odds are firmly stacked against the Sailors.
The teams began the game evenly matched, with a score of 2-2, but the hosts quickly took the lead with contributions from Vasiliki Plevritou, Foteini Tricha, and Maria Myriokefalitaki, asserting their dominance as reigning champions (5-3). Although Vouliagmeni managed to level the score at 6-6 in the second period, Aleksandar Ciric’s side reestablished a comfortable lead before halftime (8-5).
The outcome of the match seemed secure for Olympiacos early in the third period, as their lead quickly extended to five goals. Despite goals from Amy Ridge and Ekaterina Tankeeva for Kiki Liosi’s team, a remarkable comeback did not materialize.
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