VakifBank celebrate a clean sweep in Pool C, ŁKS with a bitter-sweet win

A bitter-sweet victory ended the competition in Pool C in the #CLVolleyW at Łódź Sport Arena. The hosts ŁKS Commercecon Łódź defeated ASPTT Mulhouse 3-1, but due to the score from Pool A already after the second set of the match it was known that they cannot progress to the next stage. The hosts, in their third #CLVolleyW campaign, earned the 2nd place in the standings. Earlier on Thursday, VakifBank Istanbul completed the pool phase with a perfect record of six wins and 18 points after defeating Martiza PLOVDIV. The Turkish powerhouse lost two sets on their way to the quarterfinals - both against Maritza Plovdiv - one in Plovdiv in November and one on Thursday, proving that history - indeed - likes to repeat itself. ASPTT Mulhouse end this edition of the Champions League 3rd and Maritza Plovdiv 4th.

VakifBank reigned on the court at Łódź Sport Arena from a very beginning. Coach Giovanni Guidetti decided to start the game with his strongest starting six, very easily taking control on the court and dominating in all elements in the opener. In the second set Maritza tried to keep pace with their strong rival, the point-by-point race lasted until 7-7, then, the Turkish team started to build their advantage again. However, Maritza showed several great plays improving their game in all skills and putting more pressure with their serve on VakifBank. Third set had unexpected beginning, Maritza took a 7-3 lead and stayed ahead. Giovanni Guidetti's squad gradually erased the gap to level the score at 16-16 and fierce battle started. The first set points came for Maritza at 24-22, VakifBank denied all two. But, in extra time, the Bulgarian team got two more chances and the fourth set point was used by Miroslava Paskova, thus Maritza again won a set against VakifBank. It was like a cold shower for Guidetti's team. VakifBank regained control, winning the fourth part with no serious problems completing the pool phase with a clean sweep.

- Isabelle Haak ruled in the opening set - 9 points including 3 aces
- Only 27% of positive receptions and 26% of success in attack in Maritza Plovdiv during first set.
- VakifBank struggled in reception in second set as they rate drop from 70% (set 1) to 44% (set 2).
- Maritza Plovdiv used the fourth set point to win third part thanks to Miroslava Paskova's spike.
- First match of these teams also ended 3-1 for VakifBank. The Turkish powerhouse lost only two sets on a way to quarterfinals, both against Maritza.
- Milena Rasić contributed with 17 points, including 14 winning spikes and 3 blocks and was named the MVP.
- Isabelle Haak scored match-high 24 points, once Miroslava Paskova and Silvana Chausheva contributed with 15 points for Maritza apiece.

ŁKS Commercecon Łódź in their third Champions League appearance had a chance to win a spot in the quarterfinals virtually competing with Busto Arsizio from Pool A, but the results from other group make it later clear that it was the last game of ŁKS in this edition of #CLVolleyW. After a good start when they broke away to 9-4, the ASPTT tied at 14-14 and a passionate point-by-point race began. The real battle of nerves in the decisive part was won by ŁKS. Playing under pressure of the result ŁKS couldn't fully spread their wings but with loud support from volunteers helping at the venue they improved their game earning significant advantage in the second set and closing it firmly. In the middle of third set, ASPTT jumped to three-point lead enlarging it even to five points blocking Katarzyna Zaroślińska-Król twice in a row, ŁKS tried to fight back, but didn't manage to stop Ivana Vanjak who earned the last point in this part. The hosts spared no efforts in the fourth part, also ASPTT didn't give up, however the hosts withstood the pressure and won the game.

- In the opener both sides committed many unforced errors, but also worked well in block.
- A straight-set victory for Busto in game against Schwerin in Pool A foredoomed the ŁKS fate as it was Italian team to grab the last ticket before the end of that game.
- Katarzyna Zaroślińska-Król reborn in the second set, visibly improving her game and earning as many as seven points.
- Lea Soldner impressed with 90% of positive receptions in 3rd set
- Captain of ŁKS, Katarzyna Zaroślińska-Król was named the MVP after scoring match-high 21 points, including 2 blocks and 46% of success in attack.
- Ivana Vanjak and Tessa Polder tallied 15 points apiece for ASPTT.
- It's was the third #CLVolleyW season for ŁKS Commercecon who reached this phase through Round 1st and 2nd, completing their performance 2nd in the group with three wins and two defeats (in two previous appearances were ranked on the last place).
- ASPTT finished 3rd with two wins and four defeats.