Eczacibasi Dynavit and A. Carraro Imoco CONEGLIANO remain undefeated in their groups

Pool B: Tent OBRENOVAC (SRB) vs Eczacibasi Dynavit ISTANBUL (TUR)

1 - 3 (25-21, 10-25, 16-25, 22-25)

Eczacibasi Dynavit ISTANBUL won their first match against Tent OBRENOVAC with a score of 3:0, but since then, the Serbian team had won three consecutive matches. Could they extend their winning streak? At the start of the match, the Turkish team was in first place in the group, while the Serbian team held second place.

Playing at home, the Serbian team started the match confidently, leading 8:2 in the first set. However, a timely timeout by coach Ferhat AKBAS helped the Turkish team regain focus, and just five minutes later, the score was tied at 10:10. The Serbian team performed better on serves (two aces) and scored 14 effective attacks, which allowed them to reach set point first and secure the set with a 25:21 finish.

In the second set, the Turkish team took control from the very beginning. Under coach Ferhat AKBAS, they left the Serbian team with almost no chances, holding them to just 10 points. Eczacibasi dominated in attack (15 successful attacks compared to only 5 by the Serbian team), winning the set with a commanding 25:10.

The Turkish team continued to play confidently in the third and fourth sets, maintaining a steady lead. They closed the third set at 25:16 and the fourth at 25:22, securing their position as group leaders with five wins and no losses.

The MVP of the game is Kathryn PLUMMER with her 19 points. 

Pool A: Mladost ZAGREB (CRO) vs A. Carraro Imoco CONEGLIANO (ITA)

0 - 3 (16-25, 16-25, 23-25)

The Italian team had already defeated Mladost 3:0 in their first encounter. A victory in this match would virtually guarantee their place in the quarterfinals.

The first breakthroughs came from Zhu and Eckl, with Eckl scoring an ace. Adiwge actively contributed in attack and performed well on the block, helping her team establish an 8:12 lead. The young Croatian team struggled against the intense pressure from the “Panthers.” Following Eckl’s ace, solid defensive plays, and excellent distribution by Seki, Zhu closed the set at a commanding 8:16. The Italian team’s dominance was undeniable: Lubian (100% attack success in the set) and Adiwge executed perfectly, finishing the set 15:25 in favor of the reigning European champions.

At the start of the second set, two pipe attacks by Lukasik and Zhu gave the Panthers a slight advantage (3:6). However, a series of errors from A. Carraro Imoco temporarily leveled the score. Lubian was solid on the block (10:12), and Zhu’s powerful attacks helped the team regain control. Lubian maintained the tempo with quick attacks, while Eckl and Seki wrapped up the set at 16:25.

In the third set, Mladost fought back and kept the game level until 7:7. Zhu and Adiwge secured a small lead (7:9), and Lubian continued to dominate in attack and blocking. However, a sudden series of errors allowed the Croatians to catch up (14:14). After a timeout by Santarelli, Zhu helped the Panthers regain the lead. Substitutes Haak and Wolosz came in to help close the set, which ended 23:25 after a tense battle.

The "Super Panthers" left the Zagreb arena to loud applause, securing another 3:0 victory.

One round to go

With just one round left in the group stage, the Panthers have secured their place in the quarterfinals. The battle for first place in the group will be decided in their final match against the Polish team Resovia on January 22 at Palaverde.

Facts about the match Mladost Zagreb - A. Carraro Imoco Conegliano

• For nearly 30 years, Zagreb’s Volleyball Hall hasn’t been as full and lively as it was tonight. Fans were searching for extra seats, and many spectators watched the match standing.
• The reigning world and European volleyball champions were a huge draw for volleyball fans in Zagreb. Both the Italian and Zagreb players stayed on the court with the fans for a long time after the match.
• The MVP of the match was Conegliano’s Marina Lubian, who scored 14 points.