Igor Gorgonzola Novara started their CEV Cup quarterfinal campaign in style, sweeping Maritza Plovdiv 3-0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-19) in the first leg. The match saw standout performances from across the roster, with Tatiana Tolok (23 pts) leading the charge as MVP. Taylor Mimms contributed 13 points for Novara, while Borislava Saykova led the Bulgarian side with the same tally.
A key highlight was the return of Vita Akimova, who made her season debut after a long recovery from shoulder surgery.
Novara took early control with strong serves from Bosio and Mims, but Plovdiv fought back, briefly taking the lead at 17-18 before Novara’s decisive response. The Italian side dominated the second set (25-13) and overcame a slow start in the third to seal the win.
Head coach Lorenzo Bernardi praised the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of closing the match in three sets. Valentina Bartolucci also expressed her satisfaction with contributing to the victory.
In other quarterfinal clash, Volei Alba Blaj secured a commanding 3-0 win over Porto in Portugal.
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