Pac-12 | Huskies begin Slovenia/Italy tour

Washington prevails in first scrimmage

In their first contest of a two-week European tour, Washington defeated a team from Croatia 3-1 (23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-22) in Maribor, Serbia.

Washington plays the Croatian U-23 National Team in Maribor, Serbia
-photo by Mike Bruscas, Washington Athletics

The Huskies’ opponents were younger members of the Croatian National Team. Washington volleyball sports information director Mike Bruscas, who is travelling with the team, reports that the venue was a training gym in the Dras Center. The facility—which includes a resort hotel—is a frequent stop for the many American collegiate volleyball teams that purchase European tours each summer. Duke was here May 8, Penn State on May 10, Purdue on May 17, Georgia on May 21, Notre Dame on May 24 … well, you get the picture.

Matches are played under international FIVB rules (limited subs, more timeouts, no break after second set.) Although scores are kept, no official stats are published. Spectators included a few family and friends travelling with the Huskies.

Washington senior Gabbi Parker saw her first action at middle blocker; she also logged time on the right side. Washington setters Jenni Nogueras and Katy Beals both saw action, but no news whether the team ran a 5-1 (one setter) offense during any of the four sets.

On Wednesday, Washington returns to the Dras Center for a scrimmage against the professional club team Nova KBM Branik. Volleyball is a big professional sport in Europe. By comparison, collegiate programs are relatively modest.

Bruscas is posting match action on the @UWVolleyball Twitter feed.