The Malta team at the girls' European Junior Championships, currently being played in Luxembourg, started their commitments in style after winning their first match against Ireland

3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-22).

The Maltese played a very good match, based on discipline and true grit, turning the result in their favour in the first set and then never looking back until the end of the match.

Ireland started out on a good note but effective services by captain Roxette Caruana and Daniela Ellul saw Malta 16-14 up. They kept on playing well to win the set 25-15.

Caruana kept hurting Ireland's defence and with Anna Grech improving in attack, Malta held Ireland at bay in crucial moments.

Leanne Spiteri also contributed with her blocks and Malta administered their lead wisely, winning the set 25-22.

Two fine services by Denise Grech and the sterling work of Lara Caruana in defence saw Malta open a six-point lead at the beginning of the third set.

Ireland improved and closed in at 16-14. However, the Maltese regained composure and went on to clinch the set 25-22 to complete a 3-0 win.

Malta's next opponents are Cyprus and Luxembourg. The last match will be against Liechtenstein who lost their opening two matches on Thursday.

Malta: S. Spiteri, R. Caruana, R. Abela, D. Grech, L. Caruana, L. Spiteri, A. Grech, D. Ellul.

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