Today marks the conclusion of the 18th round of the men’s volleyball championship in Russia, featuring two games. Kuzbass Kemerovo emerged victorious against Ural Ufa, and Zenit St. Petersburg triumphed over Nova Novokuybyshevsk.
In derby of the 18th round played yesterday, Zenit Kazan emerged victorious over Lokomotiv Novosibirsk, securing their position at the top of the standings. Zenit Kazan stuck to their tried-and-true lineup, while their opponents debuted Bulgarian outside hitter Denis Karyagin.
The match kicked off with an intense first set. Zenit’s Sam Deroo made vital blocks and earning crucial points, propelling his team to a 7-3 lead. Despite some initial serving errors, Novosibirsk fought back valiantly, but Deroo’s outstanding performance clinched the set for Zenit at 25-23.
In the second set, Zenit initially found themselves behind but bounced back thanks to Deroo’s formidable serves, which troubled Karyagin. Zenit’s middle blockers also excelled, contributing to a 25-23 set win.
The third set saw Zenit facing challenges, but key plays by Mikhail Labinskii and Artem Volvich, including a crucial ace, led to another 25-23 set victory.
Superliga – Round 18
- Neftyanik Orenburg vs. Dynamo LO 3-1 (25-16, 17-25, 25-20, 25-17)
- Yenisey Krasnoyarsk vs. ASK 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-20)
- Samotlor vs. Belogorie Belgorod 1-3 (25-21, 17-25, 13-25, 21-25)
- Shakhtior Soligorsk vs. Dinamo Moscow 0-3 (24-26, 22-25, 19-25)
- Zenit Kazan vs. Lokomotiv Novosibirsk 3-1 (25-23, 25-23, 27-29, 28-26)
- Gazprom Yugra Surgut vs. Fakel Novy Urengoy 1-3 (22-25, 18-25, 25-21, 27-29)
- Ural Ufa vs. Kuzbass Kemerovo 1-3 (25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 23-25)
- Zenit St. Petersburg vs. Nova Novokuybyshevsk 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-15)
