The fifth round in Division A1 women's offered one very high-level derby and three more clearly defined clashes. Bulgarian volleyball players were again part of the events \u2013 with different roles in their teams.
Corona Brașov – Alba Blaj 2:3
The most attractive match of the weekend pitted Corona Brașov against the champion Alba Blaj. The guests snatched the victory 3:2 after a dramatic tie-break (19:17), and the Italian Piani scored a record 33 points.
Bulgarian presence:
Gergana Shahpazova appeared in play for Brașov and finished with 3 points.
Dariya Ivanova was also in the ranks of Alba Blaj, but she did not enter the match.
| Corona Brașov – Alba Blaj | Score |
|---|---|
| Final score | 2-3 (15-25, 28-26, 25-19, 16-25, 17-19) |
| Top scorer | Piani – 33 pts. |
| Bulgarian players | Shahpazova – played; Ivanova – did not play |
The match showed that Brașov is capable of surprising the favorites, but still lacks consistency in key moments. For Alba Blaj, the strength in attack once again tipped the scales.
Medicina Târgu Mureș – Lugoj 0:3
Lugoj gave no chance to the hosts and won all three sets with an identical score – 25:16. The Cubans Masip Mursuli and Kindelan Iznaga were leading figures.
Bulgarian participation:
Alex Sŭykova played for Medicina and scored 6 points.
| Medicina – Lugoj | Score |
|---|---|
| Final score | 0-3 (16-25, 16-25, 16-25) |
| Top scorer | Kindelan Iznaga – 17 pts. |
| Bulgarian players | Saykova – 6 pts. |
The class difference in this match was obvious. Lugoj dominated in all elements, while Medicina is still looking for stability.
"U" Cluj – Constanta 0:3
Expected victory for Constanta, who controlled the match through better blocks and a strong first serve. Biberdzic was outstanding with 18 points.
| "U" Cluj – Constanta | Score |
|---|---|
| Final score | 0-3 (18-25, 17-25, 22-25) |
| Top scorer | Biberdzic – 18 pts. |
| Bulgarian players | None |
Constanta achieved a routine success, demonstrating superiority in attack and game organization.
Rapid – Voluntari 0:3
Voluntari maintained their perfect season – five wins from five matches. Van de Voorde once again led the attack with 21 points.
Bulgarian participation:
Kristina Guncheva was in Voluntari's squad but did not play.
| Rapid – Voluntari | Score |
|---|---|
| Final score | 0-3 (15-25, 19-25, 18-25) |
| Top scorer | Van de Voorde – 21 pts. |
| Bulgarian players | Guncheva – did not play |
Voluntari continues to show a championship rhythm, while Rapid is trying to build a young and promising squad.
The fifth round highlighted the strength of the leading clubs, but also the increasingly palpable presence of Bulgarian volleyball players in the Romanian championship. Shakhpazova and Saykova left their mark with stable performances, while Ivanova and Guncheva did not get playing time this round.
