Fenerbahce persevere through five-setter to get closer to #CLVolleyW quarters

The race for the last three remaining spots in quarterfinals of the CEV Champions League Volley 2023 - Women started on Tuesday night. In the first playoff game Grupa Azoty Chemik POLICE vs Fenerbahce Opet ISTANBUL delivered a high-class Volleyball five-setter concluded with Fenerbahce's victory. The hosts impressed in block (13-9), but it was not enough against the team under the guidance of the head coach Zoran Terzić, who were more successful in attack. The decisive re-match will be played on March 2nd.

Grupa Azoty Chemik POLICE vs Fenerbahce Opet ISTANBUL (14-25, 29-27, 23-25, 25-22, 10-15)

The team around coach Zoran Terzić enjoyed a flying start to the match, they took a 7-3 lead, putting a lot of pressure on their opponents. Grupa Azoty Chemik Police couldn't find a way to stop powerful spikes from Istanbul. The visiting team was constantly improving the gap to 18-10 and quickly closed the set 25-14. Hristina Vuchkova was out of the range, recording 6 spikes and 80% of success. The team stats were also brilliant, as Fenerbahce recorded 71% in attack!

Grupa Azoty Chemik Police returned to the court with fresh energy, keeping the pace with Fenerbahce Opet Istanbul during the entire set. The home side improved in all elements, showing how important in Volleyball are team efforts. The captain Jovana Brakocevic Canzian led her team scoring 5 points and was a true leader of her team in decisive moments, but she could count on young Polish outside hitters Martyna Czyrnańska (5 points) and Martyna Łukasik (4). Police had to deny two set points, but eventually managed to prevail and win the set, using their second setball.

The third part was a dramatic one. Fenerbahce ran away with the score to 9-3 lead and improved it further (19-12). Vuchkova and Vargas were the dominant force in Zoran Terzic's squad - 6 points apiece. However, once it looked that they would safely close the set leading 24-19, Chemik Police scored 5 points in a row with Czyrniańska on the service line. Unfortunately, her 5th serve was too long, giving the Turkish side 2-1 lead.

Fans gathered at Netto Arena Szczecin witnessed one more thrilling set. Although Fenerbahce Opet Istanbul took an early 4-point lead, Grupa Azoty Chemik Police was not giving up. The hosts tied at 20-20 thanks to an ace from Martyna Czyrnianska. Police worked perfectly in block - 5 points in this element, and it was a winning block from Jovana Brakocevic Canzian to close the set.

In the tie-break, Fenerbahce quickly jumped to a 5-point lead (10-5). Police tried again to catch up the score and they actually managed to shorten the distance to two points (10-8), but the guests immediately regained control on the court, closing the set and the game in their favour.

Melissa Vargas topped the scorers' chart with 26 points and was named MVP of the match. One point less tallied Hristina Vuchkova, once on the Police's side Martyna Czyrnianska and Jovana Brakocevic Canzian tallied 20 points apiece.