Scandicci and Dresdner Triumph in Five-Set Battles

Europe’s top women’s volleyball leagues delivered another weekend of excitement and high-level drama, as several #CLVolleyW contenders went head-to-head in thrilling matchups. Both Italy and Germany witnessed five-set epics between continental giants, while in Poland, Rzeszów stunned the league’s last unbeaten team with a commanding straight-sets win.

In Italy’s Serie A1 Women, fans were treated to a spectacular comeback as Savino Del Bene Scandicci overturned a two-set deficit to defeat Igor Gorgonzola Novara in one of the season’s most gripping encounters. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Novara looked in full control early, taking the first two sets with sharp attacking play and defensive discipline. But Scandicci refused to back down and stole the third 29-27, before completely taking over the momentum. From that point on, Scandicci dominated the court, winning the next two sets to complete a stunning 3-2 (22-25, 19-25, 29-27, 25-13, 15-11) victory.

Italian rising star Ekaterina Antropova once again delivered a masterclass performance, scoring 26 points to earn MVP honors. Avery Skinner (21) and Emma Graziani (13) added crucial support for the victors. On the losing side, Mayu Ishikawa, Britt Herbots, and Amber Igiede each tallied 18 points, but Novara couldn’t maintain their early rhythm. With the win, Scandicci improved to seven victories in eight matches, while Novara suffered their second defeat of the campaign.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, another clash of #CLVolleyW representatives produced a five-set thriller between SSC Palmberg Schwerin and Dresdner SC. The match was a back-and-forth battle, with neither side able to establish dominance through the first four sets. Dresdner showed resilience to push the contest into a decider — and once there, they took full control, sealing the match 3-2 (25-23, 21-25, 24-26, 25-20, 15-6) with a commanding final-set performance.

Marta Levinska led Dresdner’s offense with an outstanding 25-point all-attack performance, earning the MVP award, while Anna Artyshuk and Annegret Hölzig contributed 16 points each for Schwerin. The victory marked Dresdner’s third win in four matches, a vital result that strengthens their league standing, while Schwerin dropped to three wins from five.

Meanwhile in Poland’s Tauron Liga, KS Developres Rzeszów produced one of their most complete performances of the season, sweeping previously unbeaten Moya Radomka Radom 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-21) in dominant fashion. Expected to be a tight contest, the match instead saw Rzeszów dictate play from the start, with their precision serving and well-structured offense proving decisive.

Polish setter Katarzyna Wenerska orchestrated the attack with composure and creativity, earning the MVP title, while Julie Lengweiler was Radom’s only double-digit scorer with 13 points. With Radom’s loss, no undefeated teams remain in Poland, and Rzeszów, now with just one defeat, took the top of the standings.

From Scandicci’s epic comeback to Dresdner’s nerve and Rzeszów’s clinical dominance, this weekend once again highlighted the depth and quality of Europe’s #CLVolleyW teams — showcasing why the continent remains the epicenter of elite women’s volleyball.