CEV Cup Semifinals First Leg Gives Insight into Potential Finals Match-ups
News
Busy day in the CEV Volleyball Cup yesterday and what a treat it was! All four matches of the semifinals’ first leg across the men and women’s competitions rewarded those that chose to tune in to EuroVolley.TV, while providing a glimpse into what the potential Finals match-ups could be.
In the women’s competition, Viteos Neuchatel took a giant step towards the Final after winning away from home against Grot Budowlani Lodz in four sets. Neuchatel’s American duo made up of Madeline Haynes and Tiata Scambray was on fire, equally contributing to a total of 46 points (23 pts each). The Polish side will have a mountain to climb when heading to Switzerland next week if they are to prevent Neuchatel’s sealing a Finals spot in front of the Swiss crowd.
The second semifinal left everything still to play for in next week’s return leg. However, the French from Paris Saint Cloud will be feeling good about their chances, having won two sets away from home. Chieri will be hoping for yet another massive performance from Avery Skinner, scorer of 25 points last night if they are to build on their narrow home win and get a chance to fight for the trophy.
Over on the men’s side, Fenerbahce and Luneburg were kept at bay by the hosts on the night and will be disappointed for not getting more from their matches ahead of decisive return leg next week. It was all about the home court advantage, as Rzeszow and Arkas Izmir plowed their way to securing they will at least get an extra Golden Set next week if qualification won’t be secured by winning at least two sets away from home.