Olympiacos struck first in the Women’s Water Polo League final after a dramatic 15-13 penalty shootout victory over NO Vouliagmeni at Papastrateio.
Last season’s champions Vouliagmeni looked on course to take the opening game of the series after leading 10-6 with just over six minutes remaining. However, Fotini Tricha produced a remarkable late scoring burst, netting five consecutive goals to drag Olympiacos back into the contest and force penalties at 11-11.
In the shootout, Olympiacos goalkeeper Van Den Dobbelsteen proved decisive, saving two penalties as the “red and whites” took a 1-0 lead in the title series. The second match will be played on Friday, 29 May, at 17:00 at Laimos.
The first final was a thriller from the opening minutes, with pace, intensity and big moments at both ends. Vouliagmeni started strongly and led 2-0, but Olympiacos responded to level at 2-2. The visitors continued to edge ahead, moving 3-2 and then 4-3 in front, only for Olympiacos to equalise each time. Kalogeropoulou’s late first-half goal proved the difference at the break, giving Vouliagmeni a narrow 5-4 lead.
Vouliagmeni then took control in the third period. Andreadi restored a two-goal advantage at 6-4, before Fountotou made it 7-4. Olympiacos had struggled to score for almost 12 minutes before Santa finally broke the drought, reducing the deficit to 7-5. But Vouliagmeni responded again, with Angelidi and Krassa helping the visitors move into a commanding 9-5 lead. Siouti pulled one back late in the period, leaving Olympiacos trailing 9-6 heading into the final quarter.
When Kovacevic scored to make it 10-6 with 6:15 remaining, Vouliagmeni appeared to be in control. But Tricha then took over. Two quick goals, the second from the penalty spot, cut the gap to 10-8. Fouraki’s penalty briefly restored Vouliagmeni’s three-goal lead at 11-8, but Tricha struck again on the extra player, before adding another at 1:29 to make it 11-10.
With Olympiacos goalkeeper Stamatopoulou producing two important saves, Tricha completed the comeback with 44 seconds remaining, equalising at 11-11. Mulhausen hit the post with the final shot of regular time, sending the game to penalties.
Olympiacos were perfect from the spot. Santa, Vaso Plevritou, Tricha and Siouti all converted, while Van Den Dobbelsteen denied Fouraki and Giaoustra to secure a memorable victory.
Olympiacos 15-13 NO Vouliagmeni
After penalties: 11-11
Periods: 4-4, 0-1, 2-4, 5-2
Penalties: 4-2
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