ZAON (Kifisia) continued its sensational march to the top and qualified for the final of the Greek Volley League Women, where it will compete for the championship title with Bulgarian Desislava Nikolova in its squad.
The Kifisia team eliminated AEK with a 2-0 series win in the semifinals, achieving epic comebacks in both matches. In the decisive game, ZAON won 3:2 (21:25, 22:25, 25:21, 25:20, 15:9), after once again trailing by 0:2 sets. This makes the success even more impressive – two consecutive matches in which the team turned the tide from a seemingly lost situation. It was mental resilience and character that proved crucial, not just statistics.
Nikolova played a key role in the comeback. The Bulgarian scored 10 points (8 in attack and 2 blocks), with her block giving them a 7:1 lead in the third set – a moment that psychologically turned the tide of the match. In the fourth set, she was also decisive, sending the match into a tie-break.
In the fifth set, ZAON established full control, leading 6:0 and unequivocally closed the match at 15:9.
Tikmanidou was the top scorer with 27 points, but Nikolova's stability in key moments, as well as her contribution in reception (44% positive, 22% excellent), proved to be a significant factor for the final success. Nikolova, who will turn 35 at the end of this year, is a product of the Slavia Sofia academy and has also played two seasons for champions Maritsa.
By qualifying for the final, ZAON will compete for the title in the highest level of Greek volleyball – an achievement the club reaches for the first time in 45 years. In the final, ZAON will face Panathinaikos, who also closed their series with a 2-0 win and will have home advantage.
ZAON's campaign this season is impressive. The team has already successively eliminated strong opponents, including Olympiacos – last season's hegemon and a participant in the Champions League playoffs. Now the Kifisia team will seek another sensation – its first championship title since 1981.
photo: ΖΑΟΝ