Ekaterina Antropova and Ana Carolina da Silva: The Heartbeat of Scandicci’s Champions League Run

Savino Del Bene Scandicci's remarkable performance in the 2024–2025 CEV Champions League Women season has been significantly bolstered by the stellar contributions of two key players: Ekaterina Antropova and Ana Carolina da Silva. Their exceptional skills and on-court synergy have not only elevated the team's performance but also captivated fans across Europe.

Ekaterina Antropova: The Dynamic Opposite

Standing at 2.02 meters, Ekaterina Antropova's imposing presence as an opposite hitter has been a cornerstone of Scandicci's offensive strength.

In the 2024–2025 CEV Champions League Women season, Ekaterina has amassed 164 points across 12 matches, comprising 124 winning spikes, 21 kill blocks, and 20 service aces. Her ability to execute powerful attacks from both the front and back row makes her a constant threat, especially in high-pressure moments.

Beyond her raw power, Antropova’s timing, precision, and versatility in offensive schemes have allowed Scandicci to maintain tactical unpredictability. Whether she’s firing down the line or tooling off the block, her presence demands constant defensive adjustments from opponents. Antropova’s impact goes beyond the scoreboard because she draws multiple blockers, opens space for her teammates, and sets the tempo for Scandicci’s aggressive style of play. 

Ana Carolina da Silva: The Defensive Pillar

Ana Carolina da Silva, affectionately known as "Carol," has been a cornerstone of Savino Del Bene Scandicci's formidable presence in the 2024–2025 CEV Champions League. As a middle blocker, her exceptional defensive skills and strategic play have been instrumental in the team's journey to the Final Four.

In the current Champions League season, Carol has participated in eight matches, accumulating a total of 61 points. Her contributions include 38 winning spikes, 21 kill blocks, and 2 aces, showcasing her versatility and effectiveness on both offense and defense.

Carol's impact extends beyond statistics. Her ability to read the game, anticipate opponents' moves, and execute timely blocks has disrupted numerous attacks, providing Scandicci with a defensive edge. Offensively, her quick transitions and precise spikes have added depth to the team's attacking options.

Synergy and Impact

The partnership between Antropova and Carol has been pivotal in Scandicci’s undefeated run to the Champions League Final Four. Antropova’s explosive attacking presence and scoring consistency are perfectly complemented by Carol’s elite blocking and defensive awareness. Together, they form a dual threat that dominates both the net and the backcourt. Their combined efforts have overwhelmed top-level opponents, reinforcing Scandicci's reputation as one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in this year's competition.