Sirens ASC endured a difficult start to their European Aquatics Women’s Euro Cup campaign after suffering a 16-7 defeat against Turkish side Göztepe Sport Club in their opening Group A encounter at the Cottonera Sports Complex on Friday evening.

The Maltese representatives were making their debut in the European competition, which is being staged between October 30 and November 1, with Sirens hosting Group A featuring teams from Turkey, France and Russia.

Göztepe proved too strong for the Maltese side, producing an impressive attacking display to secure a comfortable nine-goal victory and make a winning start to their European campaign.

Wright was the outstanding performer for the Turkish outfit, scoring six goals to spearhead her team’s attack.

Sanders and Thomas also made significant contributions with three goals apiece, while Dubbag added another two. Moroglu and Yildiz completed the scoring with one goal each.

Sirens, meanwhile, found themselves facing strong opposition but managed to register seven goals through six different players.

Goldsmith was the leading scorer for the Maltese side with two goals, while Elisa Amato, Kendra Navarro, Jensine Bugelli, Nevise Agius and Jesprest Gill contributed one goal apiece.

Despite the defeat, the encounter provided valuable European experience for Sirens, who are competing against established international opposition in the continental tournament.

The Maltese side will now be hoping to recover from their opening setback as they continue their Group A commitments over the weekend.

Sirens face French outfit Union Saint Bruno on Saturday at 4pm before concluding their group-stage programme against Russian representatives KINEF-Surgutneftegaz on Sunday at 11am.

The other Group A fixtures feature Union Saint Bruno, KINEF-Surgutneftegaz and Göztepe, with all matches taking place at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

The competition represents an important opportunity for Sirens to test themselves against international opposition and gain experience at European level.

Although their opening result was disappointing, the Maltese side will be looking to produce improved performances in their remaining two encounters.

Result

European Aquatics Women’s Euro Cup – Group A

Sirens ASC 7–16 Göztepe Sport Club

Sirens scorers: Goldsmith 2, Elisa Amato 1, Kendra Navarro 1, Jensine Bugelli 1, Nevise Agius 1, Jesprest Gill 1.

Göztepe scorers: Wright 6, Sanders 3, Thomas 3, Dubbag 2, Moroglu 1, Yildiz 1.

Remaining Group A fixtures

Saturday, October 31

• 4pm: Sirens ASC v Union Saint Bruno (France)
• 5.30pm: Göztepe Sport Club (Turkey) v KINEF-Surgutneftegaz (Russia)

Sunday, November 1

• 11am: Sirens ASC v KINEF-Surgutneftegaz (Russia)
• 12.30pm: Göztepe Sport Club (Turkey) v Union Saint Bruno (France)

All matches are being played at the Cottonera Sports Complex.