Megabox Ondulati del Savio Vallefoglia secured a place in the Challenge Cup quarterfinals after decisively defeating Hungarian Fatum Nyíregyháza on their home court with a clear3:0 (25:17, 25:13, 25:19). The Italian team repeated the result from the first match and closed the two-legged tie without unnecessary tension.
The big news for the Bulgarian audience is the excellent performance ofMikaela Stoyanova, who was the hosts' top scorer with12 points and had a key contribution in both attack and block. On the other hand, Erblira Bici was rested and did not play.
First Set
Megabox started strong – 4:0 after a serve series by Tokbuom. Coach Pistola rested Candi, Bici, and Giovannini, while Stoyanova and Ungureanu got a chance in the starting lineup. Fatum closed the gap to 6:8, but Omoruyi's block quickly returned control to the hosts. At 15:9, the difference in class was already evident, and Butigan's ace for 18:11 finally broke the Hungarian team. Ungureanu finished the set with two attacks down the line –25:17.
Second Set
The guests briefly took the lead, but a series of blocks by Omoruyi and Stoyanova put Megabox ahead 9:5. Ungureanu's serve made the difference double-digit – 17:9. Bartolucci's ace and stable play at the net led to 24:12, andStoyanova ended the dispute with a block for 25:13, which also brought formal qualification.
Third Set
Again 4:0 for Megabox, but this time Fatum reacted and equalized. The most contested period of the match followed, with more balls saved in defense by the Hungarians. At 19:15, Omoruyi and Stoyanova again took the initiative, and a series of errors by Fatum shaped the final25:19 and the clean victory with3:0.
The numbers clearly show Megabox's superiority in point distribution – six players with points, three of them with double-digit contributions. Stoyanova was not only her team's top scorer but also excelled in key moments – especially in blocking in the second set. For Fatum, almost the entire burden fell on Davidovic, which facilitated the tactical work of the Italian block and defense.
Individual Statistics – Mikaela Stoyanova
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 12 |
| Efficiency Rating | +6 |
| Blocks | 3 |
| Attack Efficiency | 47% |
The numbers confirm Mikaela Stoyanova's excellent European match. The Efficiency Rating+6indicates stability and a minimal number of errors, while47% attack efficiencyis a good indicator for an opposite in a match without significant pressure. Her three blocks came at crucial moments – one of them closed the second set and effectively sealed Megabox's qualification. Stoyanova was a factor in all three sets, with presence both at the net and in the game's organization.
Megabox confidently advances, and for the Bulgarian volleyball community, this match will be remembered as another strong European evening for Mikaela Stoyanova.
