Top-class action in the quarterfinals of the CEV Champions League Volley 2022 - Women was continued on Wednesday with highly-anticipated all-Italian clash between the competition rookies from Vero Volley MONZA and the defending champions from A. Carraro Imoco CONEGLIANO. The Imoco's Panthers came to Arena Di Monza, extremely focused on their mission and they played almost flawlessly. Powered by their greatest star Paola Egonu, who again played at her finest, scoring an unbelievable 27 points, Imoco seized a tremendously important straight-set victory. The hosts of Vero Volley Monza spared no efforts trying to chase their domestic rivals, but it was not enough this time. The team of Daniele Santarelli is already with one foot in the SuperFinals, as they need to win two more sets in the re-match played in front of their home crowd that is scheduled on Thursday, March 17.

From the beginning of this encounter the emotions ran extremely high as there is a lot at stake, without exaggeration, as the winner of this quarterfinal duel will progress directly to the SuperFinals. The game started with a fierce point-by-point race. The teams were producing a top-notch Volleyball show playing almost equal in all components. But Paola Egonu, who scored as many as 12 points in the first part, made a difference. After tie at 21-21, a leader of Monza - Magdalena Stysiak (6 points) spiked out. Then, first Egonu scored with her impressive attack and afterwards she sealed the deal herself - serving two aces.

The hosts from Monza came back to the court in even more fighting spirit. Eager to banish memories from the first set they ran away to 9-4 lead. Crucial role was played Jordan Larson, who recently joined the club from Monza. But Imoco quickly made it up, Joanna Wołosz showed her mastery leading perfectly the game and the reigning champions tied, already, at 10-10. Following the moment of tight game, again Wołosz led her teammates in the battle, this time to gain a three-point lead at 17-14. The Panthers, with visible better reception and attack, were not slowing down and they closed the set again with a four-point margin.

Imoco learnt the lesson from the previous set and started to build their advantage already at the beginning. Monza tried to keep the pace with their domestic rivals, but all the time they were staying two points behind. In the middle of the set, with an ace from Sylla, Imoco improved their advantage further. The hosts were committing more own mistakes. Larson and Danesi tried to spark back her teammates, but Imoco didn't get the straight-set win out of their hands. Miriam Sylla closed the game after a spectacular spike. Obviously, it was Paola Egonu to top the scorers chart with 27 points, but it was Joanna Wołosz's playmaking efforts being recognized with MVP award. Jordan Larson contributed with 16 points to Monza.