Bulgarian international Borislava Saykova played a strong match for ZAON (Kifissia) in their 3:1 (25:18, 25:20, 20:25, 25:12) home victory over Markopoulo in the fourth round of the Greek Women's Championship.
The match in "Zirinio" hall lasted 114 minutes, and the Bulgarian middle blocker was among the key figures for the success of the team led by Giannis Kalmazidis.
Saykova finished with 15 points, of which 10 were in attack, 4 from blocks, and 1 directly from a serve. The Bulgarian realized 10 out of 19 attacks, which means 53% success rate, and her efficiency rating reached +10. She also distinguished herself with excellent reception - 100% positive and 75% excellent from four receptions.
The other Bulgarian in ZAON's squad - Desislava Nikolova - also took part in the match. She came in as a substitute and did not score a point, registering five receptions with 20% positive and 20% excellent.
The top scorers for the winners were Rika Maase and Ellen Rousseau with 18 points each. Maase made 16 attacks with 55% success rate and added 2 blocks, while Rousseau recorded 14 points from attack, 3 aces, and 1 block.
Elpida Tikmanidou contributed 11 points, and setter Katerina Valkova added 4, including 3 from blocks.
For Markopoulo, the top scorer was Addison Haluska with 18 points, all scored in attack.
ZAON asserted its superiority mainly in blocking, where it won decisively with 15:5. The hosts also had an advantage in attack - 57:44 points scored and 48% versus 35% success rate.
After winning the first two sets, ZAON allowed Markopoulo to reduce their deficit, but in the fourth set, the hosts were unassailable. They took an 8:2 lead, increased their advantage to 16:5, and closed the match at 25:12.
Saykova was the top scorer in blocking in the match, and her four successful blocks made a significant contribution to ZAON's convincing superiority in this element.