CPVC took an important step towards third place in the women's volleyball championship after defeating CSKA at home with 3:1 (25:23, 25:21, 21:25, 25:20) in the first match of the series, played in "Hristo Botev" Hall.
The hosts started the match more confidently and controlled the first two sets. In the first part, the game was contested – CPVC led 7:4, CSKA equalized at 12:12, and after another break by the hosts to 18:13, the "Reds" caught up with their opponent again for 22:22. In the key moments, however, Evelina Tsvetanova's team showed greater stability and snatched the set 25:23.
In the second set, CPVC established dominance right from the start, leading 7:1 and 11:3. The hosts did not lose the initiative until the end, even though CSKA closed the gap to three points at 19:22, and after 25:21, they doubled their lead.
The "Reds" reacted in the third set. After a strong start and a 5:0 run, they were caught at 6:6, but subsequently, the game went point for point. In the decisive rallies, Yulia Ivanova's volleyball players were more stable at the net and reduced the deficit after 25:21.
The fourth set offered another evenly matched battle. The score remained even until 19:19, but CPVC made a decisive break and led 23:19. This proved to be enough for the hosts, who closed out the match at 25:20 and took a 1:0 lead in the series.
CSKA failed to complete a full comeback, as the team's performance showed fluctuations. The lack of consistency at certain moments proved crucial for the final outcome of the match.
The bronze medal series, which is played to two wins, continues on April 23 at 5:00 PM in "Vasil Simov" Hall, where CSKA will seek to equalize and force a decisive third match.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov