SVG Lüneburg moved within touching distance of the CEV Volleyball Cup final after a composed 3-1 away win over Greenyard Maaseik, while Gas Sales Bluenergy Volley Piacenza claimed a dramatic five-set victory against ACH Volley Ljubljana in the other semifinal first leg.
SVG Lüneburg took a big step toward the CEV Volleyball Cup final with a 3-1 away win over Greenyard Maaseik, bouncing back after losing the opening set. The Belgian side started strong and claimed the first set 25-15, but Lüneburg quickly found their rhythm.
Axel Juul Larsen changed the momentum in the second set with an efficient scoring display, while Ethan Champlin added key points to level the match. Lüneburg stayed in control from there, taking the third set 25-22 and edging a tight fourth set 26-24 despite late pressure from Maaseik.
Daniel Gruvaeus led Lüneburg with 19 points, followed by Champlin with 16 and Larsen with 13. For Maaseik, Meijs and Perin both finished with 19 points. Lüneburg also made the difference at the net, outblocking their opponents 12-9, and now need just two sets in the return leg to reach the final.
In the other semifinal, Gas Sales Bluenergy Volley Piacenza defeated ACH Volley Ljubljana 3-2 after a long and intense match. Piacenza recovered from a slow start in the first set, saving multiple set points before closing it 30-28, and then took the second set as well.
Ljubljana fought back to win the third and fourth sets and force a tie-break, but the deciding set was one-sided. Piacenza dominated, with Mandiraci leading from the serve line during a decisive run to seal a 15-4 finish.
Mandiraci was the top scorer with 23 points, while Bovolenta added 21 and Gutierrez and Simon each scored 17. For Ljubljana, Stern stood out with 33 points.
Both ties will be decided in the return matches on April 2, with Lüneburg in a strong position and Piacenza needing another win to avoid a potential golden set.