Bulgarian volleyball players Samuil Valchinov and Lyuboslav Telkiyski made a significant contribution to Foinikas (Syros)'s second consecutive victory in the Greek Novibet Volley League. The team won at home against OFI with a score of 3:0 (25:22, 29:27, 25:21) in the second round of the championship.
The two Bulgarians started as regulars, and their combined total reached 20 points. Outside hitter Samuil Valchinov finished with 15, while setter Lyuboslav Telkiyski added 5.
Valchinov was the second most effective player for the hosts, scoring 12 points from attack, 2 from block, and 1 ace. The Bulgarian finished with 41% attack efficiency after 12 successful attacks from 29 attempts.
Telkiyski distinguished himself primarily with his play at the net. The setter recorded 3 successful blocks, to which he added 1 point from attack and 1 ace. Thus, he made an important contribution not only to the organization of the offense but also to counteracting OFI's attacking players.
The match offered serious intrigue, even though it ended in three sets. In the first set, the guests took a 19:17 lead, but Foinikas responded with a series of four consecutive points, turned the score to 21:19, and closed the set at 25:22.
The second set was even more contested. OFI had a chance to equalize the score in sets after leading 26:25, but the hosts managed to save the set point. Tense rallies followed before Foinikas snatched the set with 29:27 and took a decisive step towards victory.
In the third set, the hosts took the initiative earlier and led 16:11. OFI tried to get back into the match, but Foinikas maintained its advantage and finished the match with 25:21.
The most effective player for the winners was the Italian opposite Gabriele Nelli, who finished with 25 points and was chosen as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match.
After the victory, Foinikas has a full six points after the first two rounds and shares first place in the standings with Panathinaikos, who also started the season with two wins without losing a set.
Thus, Samuil Valchinov and Lyuboslav Telkiyski continue their successful start to the new season in Greece, and Foinikas solidifies its ambitions to be among the leading teams in the championship.

photo:FOINIKAS SYROS – OFI (ELENA VASTARDI / EUROKINISSI)