For the third consecutive time, Montenegro’s handball team faced defeat in the final of the Mediterranean championships for women’s cadets.

Similar to last year in Nafplio, Greece, Spain proved dominant in the gold match, securing a 30:19 victory (11:6, 12:7, 7:6) at the “Verde” hall in Podgorica.

Two years ago, the 2006 generation, under the guidance of Tatjana Jeraminok, lost to Romania in the “Verde” hall by a score of 20:18, yet they still lifted the championship trophy because the Romanians participated as guests. Last year in Greece, the same team was overpowered by the Spaniards (33:20).

This time, the spotlight shone on the girls born in 2008 and later, coached by Trebjese Bemax and Zeta – Miloš Perović and Bobana Krstović.

The young “lionesses” advanced to the finals with six wins and two losses, finishing ahead of Croatia in the group stage thanks to the rule that awards points based on wins and overall performance.

In the final, they faced the team that had previously defeated them 22:19 in the group stage. While the match remained competitive until the end, they struggled to maintain the same pace as the girls from the Pyrenees.

The team was tied at 5:5 in the 11th minute but succumbed to fatigue as the game progressed.

After eight games in five days, the lack of freshness was evident, especially among those who played significant minutes. Spain capitalized on this with effective substitutions and a strong defense, leading to a 10:2 run that established a decisive 15:7 lead, effectively ending the final.

Anđelina Orbović and Ivana Savić each netted four goals, while Ksenija Nikčević and Ivana Vujović contributed with two goals apiece. Maša Ulićević, Andrea Dragnić, Nejla Hodžić, Martina Knežević, Ksenija Petrušić, Mima Burzanović, and Mia Ulićević also found the back of the net.

Maša Dubljević made nine crucial saves, and Mia Vuksanhović successfully stopped one penalty shot.

Savić was honored as the MVP of the championship, with Anđelina Orbović recognized as the best left back and top scorer.

The bronze medal went to Croatia, which defeated Slovakia 22:18.

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