After winning group D in the qualifying phase on Monday, the female team played three final matches – the Czech Republic was defeated in the quarter final 15-12, and the spot in the final was secured with the difficult win over the host country, Belarus 15-14. In the final, Estonia challenged France, the standout team of the tournament, but was defeated 9-21. France won all six of their games, including five by at least seven points and four by at least 10 points. The bronze went to Belarus.
Estonian players were overwhelmingly happy. „We are very pleased that we managed to get this medal. This reward is very emotional for us; that we were able to fight like this, that we could play and win games in a row using willpower,“ said Kadri-Ann Lass. „This is the first 3x3 medal for Estonian women. We made history today,“ noted Annika Köster.
„Silver medal means pure gold for us. It is magical that we, the Estonian women, could do it!“ Merike Anderson added. „It was a big surprise for us, but we have worked hard and we were able to make the most of it. I would not have thought that I would get a medal so young,“ said Janne Pulk, a 12th grade student at Audentes Sports Gymnasium.
With the 2nd European Games over for 3x3 basketball, the focus will now shift to Tokyo 2020, where the sport will make its Olympic debut.