PAOK's volleyball players snatched a valuable away win against Phoenix in Syros with a 3:2 set score (17:25,25:22,21:25,25:22,12:15), but besides the usual suspects in attack, special attention should be paid to the performances of Nikolay Kolev for the "two-headed eagle" and Axel Truhtchev for the hosts. The best player for the winners was Fernando Hernandez of PAOK, who finished with 25 points, +10 efficiency, 4 aces, and 54% attack efficiency, but Menelaos Kokkinakis was chosen as MVP. PAOK's receiver made a key contribution in attack, serving, and reception, and deservedly received the award for the most valuable player of the match in Syros.

Nikolay Kolev – stability in the middle and decisive interventions

PAOK's Bulgarian middle blocker played one of his strongest matches since the start of the season. Kolev finished with 9 points, +6 efficiency, 2 blocks, and 70% attack efficiency, being particularly effective in blocking – an element that tipped the scales in the tie-break. In the decisive fifth set, it was his solo block against Phoenix's Belgian opposite hitter that ended the match and secured the visitors' success.
Besides his points, Kolev impressed with his composure in critical moments and good synchronization with the setter, which helped PAOK compensate for fluctuations in reception during certain phases.

Axel Truhtchev – Phoenix's leadership

On the other side, Axel Truhtchev once again showed why he is one of Phoenix's most important players. The French receiver, who played two seasons in Bulgaria, was a key driver in attack, scoring crucial points in the second and fourth sets, and together with Van den Dries, kept the hosts in the match until the very end. Truhtchev finished with 20 points, +10 efficiency, 2 aces, 1 block, and 50% attack efficiency.
Truhtchev also stood out with a series of strong serves that disrupted PAOK's reception, as well as with his activity in blocking. It was his aggressive play that allowed Phoenix to equalize the sets twice and reach a tie-break. The top scorer in the match was his teammate Van Den Dries with an impressive 32 points, but even these were not enough for more than a point in the standings.

Although PAOK left with the victory, the clash in Syros was an excellent stage for the performances of Nikolay Kolev and Axel Truhtchev. The Bulgarian was a decisive factor for the visitors' success, and the Frenchman with Bulgarian roots – the face of Phoenix's fighting spirit, which once again showed that they are a tough opponent to beat at home.
In the standings, PAOK, despite the lost point, is once again tied with Olympiacos S.F.P. O.N.E.H. in third place with 20 points, but has an advantage in direct matches. Phoenix collected 10 points, remained eighth, and came within one point of Panionios, and also has a game in hand, which they will play against OFI on Wednesday (January 14th).

photos: PAOK