KURSK (EuroLeague Women 2017) – Teenage sensation Maria Vadeeva has underlined why there is so much excitement about her arrival in EuroLeague Women after guiding Dynamo Kursk to a Governor’s Cup triumph.

The Russian national team ace was handed the MVP accolade at the event as the host club rode to the pre-season silverware to outline their credentials as one of the teams many will feel can challenge for a place in the EuroLeague Women Final Four this season.

Vadeeva is looking forward to her first EuroLeague Women campaign in 2016-17

New head coach Lucas Mondelo enjoyed his side racking up a trio of victories, with Vadeeva at the heart of those wins. The center started out with 18 points and 8 boards in a 73-55 win against Chevakata Vologda and then recorded a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds as Kursk edged out PBA Moscow by 61-55.

Another Russian national team member in Elena Kirillova amassed 19 points in an 81-67 success against Dynamo Novosibirsk. She took a place in the tournament All-Star Five in addition to Vadeeva claiming MVP.

Meanwhile a third Dynamo Kursk representative in Tatiana Vidmer also grabbed a spot.

There were also places for Britney Jones of Chevakata Vologda, Tamara Tatham of Dynamo Novosibirsk Region and Anna Leshkovtseva of PBC MBA Moscow.

FIBA