SC BALTA advance to #CEVChallengeCupW 16th Finals after double victory over Austria’s ‘Madlns’

After a clear 0-3 loss the night before, Austria’s Erzbergm TROFAIACH EISENERZ started their re-match with SC BALTA of Ukraine in the 32nd Finals of the Challenge Cup with renewed energy and noticeably more confidence. The return of their main attacker, Iva Papac, who had been sidelined due to illness, gave the team an additional boost. 

The Madln started strong, delivering powerful serves and quickly gaining a 7-2 lead, which forced the Ukrainians into an early timeout. However, serving is also one of SC BALTA’s key strengths, and that allowed them to close the gap soon after. The Madln showed much better adaptation to their opponent’s fast and aggressive style, resulting in several long rallies and tight scores throughout the first set. With a 24-19 lead, strong serving, and outstanding team spirit, the Erzbergmadln were rewarded with a well-deserved first-set victory (25-22).

The second set began similarly, with the Madln off to another promising start. Yet SC BALTA managed to regain control early on. The Austrians stayed within close range and even managed to equalise several times. Despite their efforts, a series of long rallies – most of which went in favour of SC BALTA – combined with a weakening reception line, gave the Ukrainians a significant lead. The Madln struggled to find effective answers to the visitors’ powerful attacks, and the Ukrainians’ controlled serving and clever plays led to a clear win in set two (25-17).

Set three was tightly contested from the beginning. The Madln showcased a solid defence and took the lead, but momentum quickly shifted back to SC BALTA. A few crucial blocks and strong serves brought the advantage back to the Austrians, resulting in frequent lead changes and a true nail-biter for the fans. The Madln fought with visible joy and unwavering spirit. At 20-20, they once again took the lead thanks to clever tactics and resilient defence. This determination paid off, as the hosts claimed the third set (25-22) and took a surprising 2-1 lead in the match.

Fuelled by confidence, the Madln entered set four with high spirits. Both teams put immense pressure on each other, showcasing strong serves and disciplined defence. However, in the decisive moments, SC BALTA regained composure and forced the match into a fifth and deciding set – and at this point, they had already secured their progression to the next round of the competition to play Croatia’s OK Nebo ZAPREŠIĆ in the 16th Finals. 

In the tiebreak, the Ukrainians took an early lead and maintained a more consistent performance throughout. Despite the Madln’s tremendous fighting spirit and tireless effort, SC BALTA ultimately secured the victory (15-6).