The Lionesses of Volleyball Praise Alicante: "Playing Here is Amazing"

Spanish national team players María Segura and Ana Escamilla highlighted the tremendous support received in Alicante during the weekend at the European Golden League. The Pedro Ferrándiz pavilion exceeded 4,500 spectators this Sunday against Sweden in a match where the Lionesses could not win a single set (0-3), seriously complicating their chances of reaching the 'final four' of this competition that brings together the best teams from the Old Continent.

"Playing here is amazing, seeing the pavilion full, how they cheered us on... we only have words of gratitude for everyone, whenever we come, they support us and treat us with great affection. We leave Alicante with a bittersweet taste because we couldn't quite control our game, and that frustrates us," said captain María Segura.

Similarly, opposite player Ana Escamilla appreciated the solid victory on Friday against Croatia (3-1) and lamented the swift defeat against Sweden despite the spectacular atmosphere. "The pavilion was beautiful, and the people deserved a bit more; it frustrates us not to have extended the match a bit more, but we make silly mistakes that cost us points, we need to polish those details," acknowledged the player from Almería.

Meanwhile, Alicante councillor Toni Gallego expressed his delight at the fans' response in the two matches of the Lionesses: "Filling this pavilion is not easy. In Alicante and its province, there is a great passion for volleyball, and the players themselves are thrilled to play here because of all the affection they receive, as we saw in 2022 against Denmark. Moreover, we cannot forget the example they set for all those boys and girls who practice this sport and see themselves reflected in them at events of this level."

The Spanish team will train this Tuesday afternoon at the Pedro Ferrándiz in an open-door session before travelling on Wednesday to Slovenia, where they will face the host team and Greece. The 'final four' of the European Golden League will take place on June 28 and 29 in Sweden, and the Lionesses of Volleyball do not depend on themselves to qualify after the defeat against Ukraine and Sweden itself. Aside from this European competition, the team led by Pascual Saurín continues to work towards the World Cup in Thailand, which will be held at the end of August.