VALLEFOGLIA put one hand on #CEVChallengeCupW trophy after dramatic win against Panathinaikos

Megabox Group VALLEFOGLIA took a major step toward the CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup 2026 - Women trophy after a thrilling five-set victory over Panathinaikos ATHENS in the first leg of the final at BPA Palas in Pesaro. In front of their home fans, the European Cup rookies from Italy edged the dramatic contest in a tie-break after more than 130 minutes of high-level Volleyball packed with spectacular rallies and momentum swings. Vallefoglia’s leader Erblira Bici delivered a stunning performance, scoring 32 points and playing a key role in the hard-fought win. The decisive second leg in Athens is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18.

Megabox group VALLEFOGLIA (ITA) vs Panathinaikos ATHENS (GRE) 3-2 (25-20, 20-25, 25-12, 22-25, 15-12)

European Cup rookies Megabox Group VALLEFOGLIA opened the first leg of the CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup 2026 final with confidence. A powerful spike from Erblira Bici - the hosts' leader with 8 points in the first set, including 7 kills - got the match underway and was followed by an ace from Sonia Candi, giving Vallefoglia an early boost. Panathinaikos Athens, led by Haylie Bennett (4 points in the set), stayed close during the first half and kept the pressure on. The turning point came at 14-12 when Gaia Giovannini stepped to the service line and sparked a decisive run that carried Vallefoglia to a 19-12 lead. Although the visitors tried to respond, the Italian side maintained control and closed the opening set 25-20.

Panathinaikos showed their teeth in the second set, taking control early and building a 10-5 lead, powered by Micaya White and Monika Lampkowska, who both scored 7 points in the set. The hosts tried to respond and reduced the gap to 11-9, but the Greek side quickly restored their five-point advantage at 16-11 after an ace from White, keeping the situation under control. Panathinaikos maintained their momentum until the end, and a smart play from Haylie Bennett (4 points) sealed the set 25-20.

The third set turned into a one-sided affair. Vallefoglia quickly took control, opening a 6-2 lead after an ace from Sonia Candi. The hosts dominated the court from that moment on, extending the gap to 16-6. Adelina Budai-Ungureanu (6 points), Erblira Bici (5) and Božana Butigan (4) kept the scoreboard moving, one point after another, as Vallefoglia comfortably closed the set 25-12.

Although the hosts built a comfortable 10-4 lead and many might have thought the match was already decided, Panathinaikos proved that nothing is over before the final whistle. Despite losing Micaya White to injury, the Greek side closed ranks and gradually began to reduce the gap. A kill and an ace from Monika Lampkowska (5 points) levelled the score at 14-14, restarting the set and turning it into a point-by-point battle. For Vallefoglia, Erblira Bici delivered 10 points in the set, but it was not enough. Panathinaikos found their hero in the decisive moments in Martina Samadan (6 points, 80% success), who contributed in every element. Her attack put the visitors ahead 23-22, and an ace soon after earned them set point at 24-22. They converted the first opportunity, forcing the match into a tie-break.

The decisive part of the first leg brought no less drama. Panathinaikos took an early 3-1 lead, but after the score was tied at 6-6, Vallefoglia began to take control. With Erblira Bici on the service line and powerful attacks from Loveth Omoruyi - who came off the bench to score 5 (83% success) - the hosts surged ahead to 12-6. Despite Vallefoglia holding a series of match points from 14-8, Panathinaikos refused to surrender. Manolina Konstantinou sparked a late push from the service line, helping her team save five match points. In the end, however, a decisive kill from Omoruyi finally sealed the victory for Vallefoglia.

Erblira Bici finished as the match’s top scorer with an impressive 32 points, including four aces, 27 kills (43% success in attack) and one block. She was supported by MVP Gaia Giovannini with 12 points and Adelina Budai-Ungureanu with 10. For Panathinaikos, Monika Lampkowska led the scoring with 19 points.