Megabox Group Vallefoglia moved a step closer to the 2026 CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup Women’s title after edging Panathinaikos Athens in a dramatic five-set final first leg in Pesaro.
In front of their home fans at BPA Palas, the Italian side battled through more than two hours of high-level volleyball to secure a 3–2 victory (25–20, 20–25, 25–12, 22–25, 15–12). The result gives Vallefoglia a slight advantage ahead of the decisive return match in Athens on March 18.
Vallefoglia’s attack was led by Erblira Bici, who delivered an outstanding performance with 32 points. She set the tone early, scoring heavily in the opening set to help the hosts establish control and take the first frame.
Panathinaikos responded well in the second set as Micaya White and Monika Lampkowska powered the Greek side to level the match. However, Vallefoglia quickly regained momentum in the third set, dominating play and comfortably taking it 25–12.
The visitors refused to back down. Despite falling behind early in the fourth set and losing White to injury, Panathinaikos rallied back with strong contributions from Lampkowska and Martina Samadan, who played a key role late in the set to force a tie-break.
The decisive set proved just as tense. Vallefoglia eventually created a cushion thanks to Bici’s serving and some points from Loveth Omoruyi. Panathinaikos saved several match points during a late comeback attempt, but Omoruyi finished the contest with the final attack to seal the Italian victory.
Vallefoglia now carry a narrow edge into the second leg, where the trophy will be decided in Athens next week.
Megabox Group Vallefoglia (ITA) vs Panathinaikos Athens (GRE)
Result: 3–2 (25–20, 20–25, 25–12, 22–25, 15–12)
Top Scorers
- Erblira Bici (Vallefoglia) – 32 points
- Monika Lampkowska (Panathinaikos) – 19 points
- Gaia Giovannini (Vallefoglia) – 12 points
- Adelina Ungureanu (Vallefoglia) – 10 points
Second leg of the final will be played in Athens on March 18, where the 2026 CEV Challenge Cup Women’s champion will be decided.