Monica Krasteva and Alba Blaj defeated Hungarian Vasas in their away match in the first semi-final of the CEV Cup for women. Thus, after a 2:3 (26:24, 19:25, 25:9, 18:25, 9:15) result, Guillermo Hernandez's girls, with Hernandez also being the coach of the Romanian national team, need a victory of any score to qualify for the tournament final.

Blaj had to make a mini-comeback after the hosts led 2-1 in sets, and that after a crushing third set, but they managed to gather themselves and took the match to a tie-break. There, the visitors took the initiative from the very beginning and did not let go until the 15th point.
This is the sixth semi-final in a European tournament played by the Romanian club in the last 8 years. Today's victory is the ninth in a row on the European stage this season for the vice-champion of Romania.

Elizaveta Ruban finished with the most points for the winners - 23 (4 aces, 3 blocks).

Second in scoring was our Monica Krasteva - 19 (1 ace, 2 blocks) and 47% in attack.The most prolific scorer for the hosts was Taylor Bannister, who recorded 28 points (3 blocks), which were not enough for the win.

The second leg will take place on March 11 in Blaj, at 18:00.
In the other semi-final tonight, Igor Gorgonzola Novara (Italy), who eliminated Maritsa Plovdiv in the quarter-finals, and THY Istanbul (Turkey) will face each other.

Photos: CEV