Russi Zhelev's Reggio Emilia suffered its first loss of the season in the Italian Serie A2. The team lost 0:3 (20:25, 23:25, 22:25) as a guest to Lagonegro in a match from the second round.
The Bulgarian outside hitter started as a starter in all three sets and finished with 11 points - 10 from attack and one block. Zhelev was second in scoring for the guests after Riccardo Mian, who scored 15 points. Marten Chevalier added 8.
After losing the first set, Reggio Emilia was closer to their opponent in the next two parts, but failed to change the outcome of the match. Lagonegro closed the match with 25:23 and 25:22 and recorded a second consecutive clean victory.
Gaetano Penna led the hosts with 20 points, including two aces and a block. Stefano Armenante added 12, and Stavros Mouchlias finished with 10.
In the first round, Reggio Emilia defeated Belluno 3:2, and Zhelev distinguished himself with 29 points. The next challenge for the Bulgarian and his teammates is an away game against Palmi on October 31.