Emalsa GRAN CANARIA takes first win against a combative OK Nebo

It was a hard-fought victory for Emalsa GRAN CANARIA in the first leg of the Challenge Cup 8th Finals against Croatia’s OK Nebo ZAPREŠIĆ, who proved to be a tough opponent at the Gran Canaria Arena. The Gran Canaria side takes the first step towards reaching the quarterfinals after a collective effort, led by Saray Manzano, MVP and 18-point scorer, in a tie that will be decided next Wednesday, January 14, in Croatia. 

The match began with a high success rate for the home team (3-0). Although the Croatian team tried to come back, the Gran Canaria players showed more consistency in attack (9-3). OK Nebo coach Mato Dragicevic called the first timeout, after which his team gained a bit more confidence (12-6). However, the match began to tilt in favour of the yellow team again, who had opened a massive lead (13-7). The visitors improved and cut the deficit slowly but surely (18-17). With the game increasingly tight, home coach Juan Diego Garcia Diaz brought in his new signing: opposite Ajack Malual. Additionally, the Huelva-based coach opted to rest Katherine Corelli and Marina Scherer, giving minutes to young players Blanca Arcos and Alejandra Pavón. With the score tied (21-21), the home side showed better reception and attention to detail, which ultimately tipped the first set in their favour (25-23).

The Croatians started much stronger in the second set (2-4). Garcia Diaz called a timeout to give tactical instructions and try to shift the momentum, with the scoreboard reading 7-12. The locals managed to reduce the gap and regain confidence, especially in reception (14-16). However, with Ena Zajec’s serve, the visiting team strengthened and moved four points ahead (15-19). Garcia Diaz brought in Fernanda Maida to try to change the dynamics, but OK Nebo showed their competitiveness and were the stronger side in this second set (17-25).

After the first hour of play, a third set began with no clear dominator. The visitors continued to show their best form, while the home team tried to counter their good work (3-6). The first timeout was called by the home coach to try to break Dragicevic’s team’s momentum (2-8). With Margaret Brown’s serve and the Gran Canaria players’ better court understanding, the score was levelled (9-9), and from that point on, the set remained tight until captain Saray Manzano showcased her best Volleyball, spurring Emalsa to take the lead again, despite the early struggle (25-21).

The match continued along the same lines, with the home side standing out, led once again by Manzano (12-9). The Croatians fought back, even taking the lead on the scoreboard (18-20). However, the hosts, with a block by Manzano, MVP of the match, and Brown, closed out the fourth and final set in a match defined by the competitive balance of both teams (26-24).