Lokomotiv (Novosibirsk) defeated Kuzbass (Kemerovo) with a score of 3:1 (20:25, 28:26, 25:20, 25:15) in a charity match dedicated to the fight against childhood oncology. The match at Lokomotiv Arena had a special emotional charge because it was organized jointly with the "Protect Life" foundation, and ticket revenues were directed to support children with oncological diseases.
The match also held purely sporting value for Plamen Konstantinov's team on the eve of the playoffs, but the cause was at the heart of the evening. That's why the presence of Sam Deroo, who also participated in the match and scored 4 points, resonated especially strongly. The Belgian, who is fighting his own battle with an oncological disease, became one of the faces of the event and further emphasized the meaning of the initiative.
The start was not easy for the hosts. Kuzbass took the first set with 25:20 and showed that they would not just be a backdrop to the charity evening. The second set proved to be the turning point in the match. Lokomotiv dramatically snatched the set with 28:26, restored balance, and from then on gradually imposed control over the match. In the third set, Novosibirsk players already looked more confident and won it 25:20, and in the fourth, they decisively broke the opponent 25:15 to close the match at 3:1.
Kazachenkov was the top scorer for the winners with 14 points, Radjab added 12, and Voronkov finished with 11. Bulgarian setter Simeon Nikolov contributed 7 points, recording 1 ace, 3 blocks, +2 efficiency, and 60% in attack. From the visiting team, only Egor Sidenko reached double digits, finishing with 18 points.
| Metric | Lokomotiv | Kuzbass |
|---|---|---|
| Block | 8 | 8 |
| Attack % | 54% | 55% |
| Attack Points | 49 | 52 |
| Positive Reception | 37% | 38% |
| Aces | 8 | 6 |
| Service Errors | 19 | 23 |
| Points from Opponent Errors | 34 | 24 |
The statistics show that Kuzbass did not fall behind in key game indicators and even had a slight advantage in attack efficiency and attack points. The difference, however, came down to more crucial details for the match's development – Lokomotiv was sharper from service, committed fewer service errors, and most importantly, gained many more points from the opponent's errors. It was there that the hosts accumulated the decisive advantage, which, after the dramatic second set, completely changed the course of the match.
For Lokomotiv, this was a victory with a broader meaning than just the purely sporting one. Plamen Konstantinov's team not only found the right rhythm after losing the first set but also sent a strong message on an evening where volleyball was a means of support, empathy, and hope.
photos:lokovolley.com
