In the last match of the CEV Champions League Women’s Qualifiers Round 1 held in Czechia, the Romanian team, Volei Alba Blaj, triumphed over the home team Kralovo Pole Brno, securing a 3-1 win (23-25, 25-11, 25-21, 25-15). The match saw Anneclaire ter Brugge lead as the top scorer with 20 points, while Katarina Jovic and Nneka Obiamaka Onyejekw contributed 13 points each for the Romanian side. On the home team’s side, Katerina Kunikova emerged as the top performer, scoring 13 points. Both teams now advance to the Women’s Qualifiers Round 2, eagerly awaiting the leading teams from Pool 1.
The competition in Pool 1 commenced in Zagreb, Croatia. The initial match featured OK Gacko clashing with Asterix Avo Beveren. The latter secured a victory with a straight 3-0 set (25-20, 26-24, 25-12), with Iris Vos leading as the top scorer with a remarkable 25 points. The following match saw the host team, HAOK Mladost Zagreb, dominate with a 3-0 victory (25-17, 25-17, 25-19) against OK Herceg Novi. Andrea Mihaljevic was the top scorer with 17 points, closely followed by Leonarda Grabic, who contributed 13 points for HAOK Mladost Zagreb.
This year introduces a shift in the qualifying rounds. Teams are now divided into two tournaments for Round 1, with the leading two from each progressing to Round 2. Only two teams will secure spots in the pool phase.
Pool Composition for Round 1 – CEV Champions League Volley Women:
- Pool 1: OK Gacko (BIH), Asterix Avo Beveren (BEL), Mladost Zagreb (CRO), OK Herceg Novi (MNE).
- Pool 2: CS Volei Alba Blaj (ROU), CV Gran Canaria (ESP), Kralovo Pole Brno (CZE). Notably, Hapoel Kfar Saba (ISR) initially slated to participate, withdrew. Consequently, all its matches will be counted as 0-3 losses.
Pool 1
Asterix Avo Beveren vs. OK Gacko 3-0 (25-20, 26-24, 25-12)
HAOK Mladost – OK Herceg Novi 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-19)
Pool 2
CS Volei Alba Blaj vs. Kralovo Pole Brno 3-1 (23-25, 25-11, 25-21, 25-15)