SFANTU GHEORGHE / SCHIO (Romania/Italy) - The first night of EuroLeague Women action this season is in the books and it was KSC Szekszard and Beretta Famila Schio who got off to winning starts in their respective Qualifiers clashes.

The former are chasing down their first ever Regular Season ticket and while they were not always convincing against Bellona Kayseri Basketbol, the Hungarian side sealed an important 80-70 victory in Group A.

It was the strength inside of Cyesha Goree which was a difference-maker as the center posted a powerful double-double of 18 points and 11 boards, with guard Zala Friskovec putting up a cameo of 9 points and 7 rebounds.

While Japreece Dean dropped 17 points in defeat, Kayseri found life difficult inside and were outscored 42-22 in the paint. 

Valencia BC were celebrating a first Spanish Super Cup success only a few days earlier, but are now under pressure to realize their dream of a maiden EuroLeague Women Regular Season berth, after being shut down 56-48 by Beretta Famila Schio.

The Spanish side were 1 of 10 from three-point range and none of their roster even reached double-digits. The defense of Schio was certainly impressive, in what was a winning start for the experienced Greek play-caller Georgios Dikaioulakos.

The Italian powerhouse did much of their best work in the opening half, holding Valencia to just 22 points. They also had Latvian winger Kitija Laksa post a strong showing with 19 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. There was also a nice supporting display from Jasmine Keys with 10 points and 8 rebounds.

Both Schio and KSC Szekszard have the chance to seal the deal and advance beyond the Qualifiers on Wednesday, if they are able to claim victories against Tango Bourges Basket and ACS Sepsi-Sic, respectively.

FIBA