Bulgarian international Rusi Zhelev had a strong match in the Italian Serie A2, but his Conad Reggio Emilia lost 1:3 (22:25, 25:15, 21:25, 27:29) to Union Napoli in an away game from the fifth round of the championship.
The outside hitter started as a starter in all four sets, finishing with 15 points – 11 from attack, 3 from blocks, and 1 ace. Zhelev achieved 48% attacking efficiency (11 of 23), and in reception, he registered 61% positive and 39% excellent plays from 23 serves directed at him. Zhelev was the second-highest scorer for the visitors after Andrea Mian, who scored 23 points.
The Bulgarian made a significant contribution to Reggio Emilia's strong performance in the second set. He scored with a successful attack from the back row, added an effective block at 13:9, and a powerful diagonal shot for 17:11. The visitors won the set decisively with 25:15 and leveled the score.
After Napoli took a 2:1 lead in sets again, Reggio Emilia was close to sending the match to a tie-break.
In the fourth set, Zhelev's team built a six-point lead at 14:8 and maintained their advantage until the final rallies. However, the hosts managed to equalize at 21:21.
Reggio Emilia reached set point at 24:23 after a successful attack by Mian, and subsequently had another opportunity to close the set at 26:25. However, Napoli survived and snatched the victory with 29:27.
Interestingly, despite the defeat, the visitors won more points in the entire match – 95 against 94.
Reggio Emilia also had an advantage in the main statistical indicators – 53:56 attack points in favor of Napoli, but higher attacking efficiency (46% vs. 43%), more blocks (10:8), and aces (9:7).
The top scorer for the winners was Canadian Eric Rempel with 25 points.
On November 22nd at 7:00 PM Bulgarian time, Reggio Emilia will host Gioia del Colle in the next round of Serie A2. This is the "Bulgarian" derby of the round.

photo: legavolley.it