Vero Volley and Budowlani one step closer to CLVolleyW quarterfinals

On Wednesday evening the electrifying Play-Off stage in the CEV Champions League Volley 2025 - Women was inaugurated with the first two duels in the quest for the last three quarterfinal spots. Numia Vero Volley MILANO and PGE Grot Budowlani ŁÓDŹ enjoyed excellent performances as they didn't drop a set against SSC Palmberg SCHWERIN and OK Trent OBRENOVAC, respectively. Thus, the teams from Milano and Łódź made a big step towards the quarterfinals; however, still everything is possible as they will lock horns again with Schwerin and Obrenovac in two weeks.

SSC Palmberg SCHWERIN (GER) vs Numia Vero Volley MILANO (ITA) 0-3 (14-25, 23-25, 16-25)

A star-studded Numia Vero Volley Milano from the beginning of their first clash in the quest for a spot in the quarterfinals, dominated on the court at Palmberg Arena Schwerin, taking a 16-9 lead and closing the opening set in convincing fashion (25-14). Paola Egonu, already in the opener, recorded 6 points and was strongly supported by Nika Daalderop and Myriam Sylla, who added four points apiece.

However, the hosts were determined to show their teeth and improved their game in the second set. Elles Dambrink, Jaelyn Keene (100% success in attack, 4/4), and Leana Grozer were the strongest points of Schwerin. The team around coach Felix Koslowski took a two-point lead at 17-15, but shortly after, Vero Volley leveled up the score, and the set was continued on a point-by-point basis. But when Milano got their chance to close the set, they immediately did it after Egonu's attack.

Vero Volley closed ranks, being motivated to end the game in three sets. After a competitive beginning, the team led by coach Stefano Lavarini earned a significant advantage (16-10), delivering a solid performance from the service line (3 aces) and easily closing the match and making a big step towards the quarterfinals.

Paola Egonu topped the scorers' chart with 17 points (13 kills—48% success, 1 block, 3 aces) and was named the MVP. Nika Daalderop completed the game with 10 points to her name. Once, Schwerin's leader, Elles Dambrink, scored 11 points.

Tent OBRENOVAC vs PGE Grot Budowlani ŁÓDŹ 0-3 (23-25, 16-25, 23-25)

Tent Obrenovac and PGE Grot Budowlani Łódź by reaching the CLVolleyM Play-Offs already achieved a new milestone; however, both teams are eager for more, and their target is clear: the quarterfinals. In the first battle between those teams, PGE Grot Budowlani Łódź prevailed in three very intensive sets to get closer to their goal. The team from Łódź was led in the opening set by charismatic and experienced captain Jelena Blagojevic, who made a difference, scoring 6 points (71% success in attack). On the other side of the net, her compatriot Mina Mijatovic played the first fiddle (also 6 points), but it was Łódź to close the first set in their favor 25-23.

The next part looked completely different, as Łódź kept the momentum and took control of the scoreboard (8-4; 16-10). Paulina Damaske kicked into high gear, impressing with her performance. The 23-year-old Polish outside hitter played almost flawlessly, hammering 7 kills (70% success) and helping the team to enlarge their advantage (25-16).

Despite losing by a big margin, Tent Obrenovac didn't give up. Even if Budowlani built up an 18-14 advantage, they made it up with Nevena Sajic's serves and Mina Mijatovic's spikes. They kept the pace with Łódź up until 23-23, but killing attacks from Sasa Planinsec and Terry Enweonwu sealed Budowlani's win.

Paulina Damaske scored a match-high 15 points (all in attack at 45% success) and received a well-deserved MVP award. One point less (14) was scored by Terry Enweonwu, once Jelena Blagojevic contributed with 12 points. Nevena Sajic and Mina Mijatovic were Obrenovac's top scorers with 11 points apiece.