PAOK's team won away against Pafiakos with1-3 (25:21, 23:25, 21:25, 17:25)in the first match of the Challenge Cup Round of 32. The Cypriot team started very strongly and surprised the "black and whites" with aggressive serves and high attack efficiency, but PAOK gradually stabilized its game and turned the match around after losing the first set.
Participation of the Bulgarian middle blockers
In the decisive moments of the second and third sets, the interventions of the Bulgarian middle blockers Nikolay Kyurtev and Nikolay Kolev were of great importance.
Kolev distinguished himself with a crucial block at 23:24 in the second set, with which PAOK equalized to 1-1. He finished the match with 5 points (3/6 attacks, 1 ace, 1 block).
Kyurtev participated in the rotation of the middle players and influenced the stabilization of the first tempo play and the block, which helped PAOK gain control after the first set.
After these two sets, PAOK dictated the pace and convincingly closed the match in the fourth part.
Match statistics
| Team | Aces | Attacks | Blocks | Opponent errors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pafiakos | 5 | 51 | 12 | 18 |
| PAOK | 6 | 44 | 11 | 35 |
Pafiakos finished with more attack points, but PAOK compensated with more effective serving and fewer errors in critical situations. PAOK's block made the difference exactly where the match was decided.
Debut of the new addition – American international Jeff Jendryk
PAOK's new addition, Jeff Jendryk, a USA international, also debuted in the match, distinguishing himself with 6 blocks out of a total of 11 for the team and a total of 11 points. His consecutive blocks at 17-12 in the first set gave PAOK a chance to get back into the part, although it was not won.
This was his first official match with the PAOK team.
