Alba BLAJ off to the #CEVCupW Final, Asseco Resovia one step closer to the #CEVCupM trophy match
Recap
CS Volei Alba Blaj (ROU) booked their ticket to the Final match of this year’s edition of the CEV Volleyball Cup - Women after claiming a 3-0 win in the second semi-final against Vasas Óbuda Budapest (HUN).
On the men's side of the competition, the reigning champions of Asseco Resovia RZESZOW (POL) and TOURS VB (FRA) delivered a great tiebreaker in the first semi-final match between the two sides. The Polish won the fixture, getting one step closer to the trophy match.
For Blaj, this would be the fifth European final in the last seven years, with all the previous four lost.
The spectators in the Romanian town saw the two good old friends Guillermo Naranjo Hernandez and Ioannis Athanasopoulos, the head coaches of the home and the guest teams, respectively, meeting once again in on the European Volleyball stage, with the hosts of Romania leaving no doubt over who was better on the court.
CS Volei Alba BLAJ (ROU) 3-0 Vasas Óbuda BUDAPEST (HUN)
The hosts of CS Volei Alba BLAJ entered the game much more concentrated, and took the leadership position right after the first referee whistle (5-2). Not allowing any surprises (15-7), the Romanians opened in their favour at 25-18.
It looked like the guests of Czechia were ready to come back in the match after a tied battle in the beginning of the second set (8-8). However, their opponents of Alba Blaj found the right Volleyball answers to take a small point lead (12-10) and, keeping their rhythm of play, got closer to the win after 25-22.
A similar scenario unfolded in the third set - the teams went head-to-head in the first minutes (3-4, 13-12), but after that, the Romanian squad showed power (18-16) to eventually claim the straight sets win after 25-21.
Statistically, the team of Budapest outclassed their opponents on all counts: 41 to 39 winning spikes, nine to five kill blocks, four to two aces.
Amélie Rotar claimed the MVP award, becaming also the top scorer with 20 points to her name.
Guilermo Naranjo Hernandez“It was incredible. Vasas are an amazing team, they did good in the CL. We knew it was gonna be a tough game, and we didn’t expect a 3-0. They were pushing, they were passionate. It is gonna be a final to enjoy. We are not favourites, but we were not favourites also here, so this team is dangerous when we play without pressure.”
Head coach of CS Volei Alba BLAJ (ROU)
Amélie Rotar“It was a great game, we put a great dynamic. The atmosphere here is crazy, it is always a pleasure. Now, we are in the final, and we are excited.”
MVP of the game
Asseco Resovia RZESZOW (POL) 3-2 TOURS VB (FRA)
The first set set the tone for an exciting match ahead. The two sides followed each other in the score (12-13, 22-22, 23-23), leaving the spectators in RCWS Podpromie RZESZÓW sports hall uncertain of the score until the very last moment. The guests of France, however, proved to be more resilient in this part and took the opener at 25-23.
The two teams were following each in the score in the second set as well (11-12). However, the home side took control (20-17) and tied the score after 25-21.
To the delight of the fans, the next set was highlighted by great Volleyball moments as the sides were playing “a cat-and-mouse” game (13-12). In a battle of nerves, the French showed more resilience for 25-22.
Nothing was over for the Polish as they brought the match in a tiebreak after an intense game in the fourth set as well (won by Rzeszow after 25-21.
In the deciding part, supported by their fans, the hosts didn’t disappoint for 15-10.
The numbers of the game speak for the high level of Volleyball delivered - 65 to 63 winning spikes for the winners, eight to five aces for them as well, while Tours VB were slightly better on blocking, finishing with 11 kill blocks (to 10).
Stephen Boyer of Rzeszow topped the charts for his team with 28 points to his name, and was named MVP of the match.
Ryan Sclater of Tours VB became top scorer with 31 points.
Stephen Boyer“It was a very difficult game, they played a very good game, and we all delivered a level of a real semi-final. We are a bit sad for the point that we lost here, but it could have been worse. Now we will rest and get ready for the away game.”
MVP of the game