Istanbul, Turkey.Today in Istanbul, the most exciting stage of the Women's Volleyball Champions League began – the Final Four tournament. In the first semifinal, two Italian giants faced each other: A. Carraro Imoco Conegliano and Numia Vero Volley Milano.
After a four-set battle, the reigning champions from Imoco Conegliano prevailed with3:1 (25:18, 20:25, 25:17, 25:23)and secured a spot in the grand final.
Match development:
First set:Although Vero Volley Milano started promisingly, Imoco managed to catch up and take control after the middle of the set. Attacks from Isabelle Haak and Zhu Ting helped Conegliano close the set with 25:18.
Second set:The volleyball players from Milano responded powerfully. They built an early lead (10:4) and despite Imoco's attempts to get back into the game, Vero Volley managed to equalize the score after 25:20, with Elena Casot being among the most stable players for her team.
Third set:Imoco Conegliano once again showed their class. With excellent defense and blocking, as well as effective attacks from Fahr and Haak, the champions completely controlled the set and won it convincingly with 25:17. Paola Egonu struggled for the Milano team.
Fourth set:This set was the most contested. The game went point for point until 8:8, after which the two teams exchanged leads. Gabi Guimaraes proved crucial, giving Imoco a lead at 15:13. Vero Volley managed to equalize briefly (17:17), but ultimately Imoco's experience paid off. Zhu Ting and Gabi were decisive at the end, with the Brazilian closing the match at 25:23.
Key figures:
For the winners from Imoco, the most productive wereZhu Tingwith 21 points andIsabelle Haakwith 20 points, aided byGabi Guimaraes(14 pts.) andSara Luisa Fahr(7 pts.). For Vero Volley MilanoElena Kazolfinished with 18 points, whilePaola Egonuadded 15.
A look at the final:
With this victory, Imoco Conegliano qualified for the Champions League final and will have the opportunity to win the trophy for the third time in its history after triumphs in 2021 and 2024. The team awaits the winner of the other semi-final between Vakifbank and Scandicci, which will be played later today.
Line-ups:
Vero Volley:Kazol (18), Danesi (11), Egonu (15), Daalderop (5), Kurtagic (2), Orro (4), Fukudome (libero); Constantinidou, Sylla (6), Smarzek (4)
Imoco:Wolosz, Guimaraes (14), Fahr (7), Haak (20), Zhu (21), Chirichella (3), De Gennaro (libero); Lukasik, Bardaro, Squarcini, Adigwe
photo: Nikolay Varadinov
