Novara dominate Pool E, but Chemik also follow through

Igor Gorgonzola Novara headed into the 2nd Leg of the 2021 European Women's Champions League Pool E as the strong favourites - but to finish first and earn a direct ticket to the quarterfinals, they needed to fend off hosts Grupa Azoty Chemik Police, whom they had edged just 3-2 in the 1st Leg at home.

Novara did that and more, as they swept through the pool and finished this stage of the Champions League undefeated.

True, when the time came for the two contenders to go head-to-head on the closing day of the Police 'bubble', they had both qualified. Regardless of the result even the second-ranked team of Pool E was already assured to be the best of the three runners-up across the pools that would join the five winners in the last eight.

Both sides opened with wins for full points against the other two entrants - Dinamo-Ak Bars of Kazan and VK UP of Olomouc and set up a 'final' of sorts for the last match.

But more than bragging rights, first place in the pool would secure better seeding at the Drawing of Lots for the quarterfinals on 12 February - so there was still something at stake.

As it turned out, Micha Hancock produced some brilliant playmaking and contributed eight points (including 4 blocks and 2 aces) earning the match MVP award and leading Novara to a four-set win. Haleigh Washington (16) and Caterina Bosetti (15) brought in the points for Novara.