ANKARA, Turkey – Italy’s Prosecco DOC Conegliano delivered a commanding performance Wednesday, sweeping Turkey’s Ankara Zeren Spor Kulübü 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-17) in the first leg of their CEV Champions League Volley Women quarterfinal matchup. The victory marks the 29th consecutive win for the Italian powerhouse, setting a historical record in the competition’s history. The team now stands on the brink of qualifying for the Final Four in Istanbul, scheduled for May 2-3.
The match, held at the TVF Ziraat Bankkart Volleyball Hall in Ankara, showcased Conegliano’s dominance, particularly in their defensive play, with a remarkable 10 blocks throughout the game. While the team was without star player Gabi, sidelined due to a costal injury, they demonstrated resilience and tactical flexibility. The return leg is scheduled for March 18th at the Palaverde arena in Italy, where Conegliano will need to secure just two sets to cement their place in the Final Four.
Zhu Ting’s Stellar Performance and a Moment of Brilliance
While a team effort propelled Conegliano to victory, the performance of 31-year-old Chinese opposite hitter Zhu Ting was particularly noteworthy. She contributed significantly to the offensive effort, and a single play has quickly gone viral, highlighting her exceptional athleticism and skill. During the first set, Zhu Ting executed an incredible defensive save, diving to retrieve a seemingly lost ball and, in the same motion, directing it over the net for a direct point. Footage of the play shows her teammates and coach Daniele Santarelli reacting with visible excitement, even kneeling in a gesture of admiration.
Zhu Ting’s contribution wasn’t limited to the spectacular save. She finished the match with 16 points, leading all scorers, and maintained an impressive 58% attack efficiency. Her performance earned her the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award for the match. The team’s success was also driven by setter Joanna Wołosz, who orchestrated a balanced attack, and Neneh Sillah, who added 14 points with a 58% attack percentage.
Conegliano’s Dominance in the CEV Champions League
A. Carraro Prosecco DOC Conegliano has established itself as a formidable force in European volleyball. This latest victory builds upon their already impressive record in the CEV Champions League. The team’s return to action after the holiday break was marked by this commanding win, alongside victories for Maritza PLOVDIV and Eczacibasi Dynavit ISTANBUL in other quarterfinal first-leg matches.
Coach Daniele Santarelli opted for a starting lineup featuring captain Joanna Wołosz and Paola Egonu at setter and opposite, respectively. Zhu Ting and Neneh Sillah occupied the outside hitter positions, while Anna Fahr and Marina Chirichella formed the middle blocking duo, with Monica De Gennaro as the libero. The Turkish team, coached by Ljubicic, countered with a lineup including Malinov, Uzelac, Lazareva, Sahin, Aleksic, Arici, and libero Alkan.
Key Moments and Statistical Highlights
The first set was a closely contested affair, with both teams trading points. Conegliano gained a slight advantage with a break point established through a block by Chirichella (9-10). Uzelac briefly restored parity with an ace (12-11), but Sillah’s subsequent points propelled Conegliano ahead (15-19). Fahr’s block and Zhu Ting’s final block sealed the first set 25-21.
Conegliano continued their momentum in the second and third sets, demonstrating superior blocking and attacking efficiency. The team’s ability to consistently score off both front-row attacks and well-executed blocks proved too much for Ankara Zeren Spor to handle. The final scores of 25-18 and 25-17 reflected Conegliano’s control over the match.
Looking Ahead to the Return Leg
With a significant advantage heading into the second leg, Conegliano appears well-positioned to advance to the Final Four. However, they will need to remain focused and maintain their high level of play against a determined Ankara Zeren Spor team playing on their home court. The atmosphere at the Palaverde is expected to be electric as Conegliano aims to secure their place in Istanbul. The Final Four will be held from May 2-3, bringing together the top four teams in European women’s volleyball.
The team’s performance underscores the growing strength of Italian volleyball on the international stage. Conegliano’s success is a testament to the dedication of its players, the tactical acumen of Coach Santarelli, and the strong support of its fans. The upcoming return leg promises to be a thrilling encounter, with a place in the Final Four at stake.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the second leg of the quarterfinal match between Conegliano and Ankara Zeren Spor on March 18th. Stay tuned to www.world-today-journal.com for continued coverage of the CEV Champions League Volley Women and all the latest developments in the world of sports. Share your thoughts on Conegliano’s performance and the upcoming return leg in the comments below!
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