The Finnish U18 women’s national basketball team defeated Serbia 75–52 in the bronze medal game of the European Championship in Stockholm on Sunday. Finland was still down by two points at halftime, but pulled away from its opponent in the second half.

Anna Gardziella was Finland’s power player in the game. She scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Jessi Nenonen scored 14 points.

The victory in the bronze medal game provided sweet medicine for Saturday’s semifinal loss to France.

The success of the team coached by Janne Hänninen at this year’s European Championship did not come as a complete surprise. Finland has now won three consecutive medals at the European Championship for girls. It won 2024 gold and 2025 silver.

Success at this year’s European Championship also guaranteed Finland its first ever place in the U19 World Basketball Championship next summer.

By Editor