Italian team Antonio Carraro Imoco Conegliano secured a 3:0 (25:22, 25:17, 29:27) away victory against Developres Rzeszów in the first match of the Champions League quarterfinals.

This was the seventh consecutive victory for the "Panthers" against the Polish team, and Daniele Santarelli's girls demonstrated stability and class in key moments, especially in the third set, when they made a phenomenal comeback.

Imoco's domination from the start

Although Rzeszów fought hard in the first set, the Italians showed superiority in blocking, with Sarah Fahr, Gabi, and Zhu being key in this element. Zhu finished the set with 8 points and 50% attack efficiency.

The second set was even more decisive for Imoco, who dominated in reception (62% positive) and pulled ahead in the score with excellent play from Chirichella and Haak (5 points and 56% attack success rate). The set closed at 17:25 after an attack by Fahr.

The legendary comeback in the third set

The Polish team started the third set strongly and led 9:2, after which the difference reached 14:4. Exactly then, however, Imoco showed championship character, making a stunning comeback with 17:10, 21:14, 22:21, after which they saved three set points for the Polish team (24:23, 25:24, 26:25), to close the set and the match with 29:27. Haak, Gabi, and Chirichella were instrumental in this incredible return.

Zhu and Gabi shine, De Gennaro with crucial interventions

🔹 Zhu was the top scorer in the match with 18 points
🔹 Gabi deservedly won the MVP award with 15 points
🔹 Marit Jasper was the best for Rzeszów with 12 points, no one else from the team crossed the 10-point mark
🔹 Imoco was the better blocking team (10 vs 7)

There was also a Bulgarian presence in the match, in the person of the first referee Dobromir Dobrev.

With this success, Antonio Carraro Imoco Conegliano took a big step towards the semifinals, and will seek another victory in the return match at home.