Zenit Kazan responded to their opening loss by defeating Lokomotiv Novosibirsk 3–1 to tie the Super League semifinal series at 1–1.
After splitting the first two sets 25–18, Zenit gained the upper hand despite shaky reception, with setter Konstantin Abaev organizing the attack and Maksim Mikhaylov leading the scoring. Both teams relied heavily on aggressive serving, with Lokomotiv staying close through aces from Dmitriy Lyzik, Omar Kurbanov, and Ilya Kazachenkov.
The third set turned on late errors from the visitors, allowing Zenit to pull ahead. In the fourth, Lokomotiv pushed back and earned a set point, but failed to convert. Mikhail Labinskii then sealed the match with a decisive ace.
Kurbanov finished as top scorer with 20 points, while Labinskii added five aces for Zenit.
The series continues in Novosibirsk on April 10 and 12.
Result:
Zenit Kazan def. Lokomotiv Novosibirsk — 3–1 (25–18, 18–25, 25–22, 27–25). Series tied 1–1.