Panionios Betsson became the first team to secure a spot in the 1/4 finals of the Greek Women's Cup, after defeating A.S.P. Thetis as guests in Voula with a score of 3:0 (25:19, 25:14, 25:22). Thus, the team from Nea Smyrni enters the top eight for the second consecutive season, having reached the tournament final last year.

Among the key figures in Dragan Nesic's squad was once again Bulgarian international Elitsa Atanasievich. She finished the match with 13 points, 3 blocks, and a very solid reception performance – 67% positive and 28% excellent, playing a crucial role in the most intense moments of the third set.

In the first set, both teams were evenly matched until 12:12, but after an ace by Rahimova and a service run by Panionios, the lead quickly grew, and the visitors closed the set 3:0 (25:19).

In the second set, the "blue-reds" dominated completely with an organized block and strong serves. The lead became double-digit by the middle of the set, and the set concluded 3:0 (25:14).

The third set was the most contested. Thetis maintained a lead until the middle, but at 18:19, Panionios made a decisive comeback. It was here that Atanasievich was among the stabilizing figures in reception and blocking, and the end came 3:0 (25:22).

The key to Panionios' success was their superiority at the net – 14 blocks against 5. This allowed the team to control the tempo even in moments when Thetis was closing the gap in the score. The Bulgarian Atanasievich made a significant contribution precisely in this element.

Panionios will await the draw for the 1/4 finals on Monday (January 26, 11:00 AM), while Thetis is focusing its attention entirely on the Women's Volley League.