CSO Voluntari claimed a valuable 3-1 victory over Volei Alba Blaj in the first leg of the CEV Cup quarterfinals, taking control of the all-Romanian tie.
Playing at home in front of more than 1,500 fans, Alba Blaj, marking its 100th European match, fell short despite a strong fightback in the third set. Voluntari won with set scores of 25-20, 26-24, 19-25, 25-23.
Nicole Van de Vosse led Voluntari with 23 points and earned MVP honors, while Vittoria Piani matched that tally for Alba Blaj. Although the hosts dominated at the net with 16 blocks to Voluntari’s 10, reception issues and seven aces conceded proved costly.
The return leg will be played next week in Bucharest. Voluntari needs just two sets to reach the semifinals, while Alba Blaj must win 3-0 or 3-1 and then take the golden set to advance.
