The Bulgarian national players were in the spotlight of the clash between Sorrento and Macerata, but this time Preslav Petkov emerged as the big winner in the derby against Rusi Zhelev and Denis Karyagin. The middle blocker of the team from the Campania region played an impressive match at the net and was a key factor for Sorrento's decisive 3:0(25:22,25:18,25:22) victory.

While the hosts dominated with blocking and higher attacking efficiency, for Macerata the problem was not so much in reception as in their inability to convert situations into points.

Individual statistics of the Bulgarians

The numbers say it all – Petkov was the difference. 9 points and a +8 as a middle blocker is an elite level, but the strongest detail is 5 blocks(!) – this is a direct 'wall' that not only stops attacks but breaks the opponent's psychology. If we add 57% attack efficiency, it becomes clear that Petkov was maximally effective in the most important elements for his position.

At Macerata, the picture is different. Zhelev (58% positive reception) and Karyagin (56%) provide decent stability on the first touch, but the problem comes with finishing – 29% attack efficiency for Zhelev and 31% for Karyagin are too low values for a match in which the team needs to seek a comeback or at least maintain parity. The efficiency difference is also indicative: -1 for Zhelev means that errors and blocked shots 'ate up' almost all the good he did in terms of points.

In a match decided by details and blocking dominance, Preslav Petkov gave a masterclass at the net and was logically one of the most important figures for Sorrento's clean victory. For Zhelev and Karyagin, the match leaves a clear message: reception was decent, but without attack efficiency, it's impossible to win a set against a team that closes spaces so well.

After this success, Sorrento is in 8th position with 24 points, while Macerata is 7th, also with 24 points, with both teams having played 17 matches.