The Banca Macerata Fisiomed team achieved a valuable success in the eighth round of Serie A2, defeating Emma Villas Lupi Siena after a dramatic two-hour match with a score of 3:2 (28:26, 19:25, 25:22, 22:25, 15:13). The victory came after constant comebacks, strong runs, and key interventions in decisive moments and among the brightest figures of the evening were once again the two Bulgarian internationals Rusi Zhelev and Denis Karyagin.

The receiving duo Zhelev Karyagin was at the heart of the success, with both leaving a clear mark throughout the five sets.

Denis Karyagin delivered another impressive performance, finishing as the top scorer with an impressive 32 points a lead that once again highlights his role as a key scorer and a stabilizing factor in Macerata's attack. He took on a huge volume of hits, sought decisiveness in important rallies, and it was his attack point during the court change in the tie-break that provided the necessary impetus for the final push towards victory.

Rusi Zhelev also played a key match, especially in the third set, when his serving run gave the hosts an early 6:1 advantage. Zhelev added 12 points in the match, was reliable in reception, and decisively contributed to the counter-attack, especially when the team needed to stabilize their play after shaky moments.

The match started strong for Macerata, who took the lead with aggressive play in attack and good defense. The first set was dramatically won after a series of reviews and contested points.

The second and fourth sets were under Siena's control a solid block, more precise attack, and Gabriele Nelli's powerful play brought the visitors back into the match twice.

Macerata showed character in the third set, where the Bulgarian presence tipped the scales Karyagin and Zhelev orchestrated the attack, and Siena's players started to make more errors.

The tie-break started with errors from the visitors and a 5:0 lead for the hosts an advantage which, although partially reduced, remained sufficient for the final success. The hosts' captain, Fal, closed the match with a point from the center sealing a deserved victory for Macerata.

For Banca Macerata Fisiomed, this success means 10 points and ninth place, but even more significant is the fact that the team has a productive and stable Bulgarian tandem.

Karyagin continues to be the team's leading scorer, and Zhelev is establishing himself as an important balancer, influencing both reception and counter-attack.

Their performances in Serie A2 are a serious statement of a high international standard and good news for the Bulgarian national team.