Russian Dinamo is favourite for Playoff 12 of CEV Champions League
Russian Dinamo Kazan continued with success and added fourth straight victory in the prelims of 2012 CEV Champions League against Switzerland’s Volero Zurich on Wednesday, December 21.
The winning squad sent 3-1 (25-16, 19-25, 25-20, 25-18) on board and settled for triumph. The two teams met in the previous leg of the prelims and staged similar action. The only difference was the change of venue, the rest remained the same. Dinamo Kazan
defeated Swiss opponent at their home soil in Zurich last week and repeated same feat while playing in front of home crowd in Kazan. Both matches ended up with the final scores of 3-1, where Volero could only secure one set.
In the 4th leg of the competition, Ekaterina Gamova turned all the attention of 1,200 fans to her. She performed amazingly well and showcased any eye-catching action of volleyball. She helped Kazan with crucial 28 points, which played a big part in team’s
victory.
On the other hand, Jelena Alajbeg of Volero struggled for the better status of her team. She put up a valiant effort and added 14 points. She was the only player in Swiss team, who touched the double-digits scores.
Dinamo Kazan jumped out of gate and built a strong lead over Volero in the first set. They directed the ball in rare gaps and scored consecutive points. Ekaterina showed no mercy and hit from all angles. Visiting team committed mistakes in reception and
suffered the loss of opening set. Kazan was greeted by first-set win with 9-points, 25-16.
Volero hit back aggressively in the following set and created a buzz on the centre court. Aleksandra Petrovic served with accuracy and helped her team with early points. The Swiss squad carried on the momentum until set points and levelled game score 1-1
by winning second set.
Third set full of action as Volero and Kazan exchanged long rallies and tried to take lead. Volero led all the way until 17-16 but a couple of mistakes spoiled the whole scene for them and Kazan went up. Afterwards, Gamova and Borisenko did not allow Volero
to come up. Eventually, Kazan claimed third set 25-20.
Hosts remained remarkably consistent and finished off the match by winning fourth set at 25-18.
Olga Sazhina of Volero was of the opinion that too many unforced mistakes caused damage for Switzerland. Moreover, she said that her team lacked consistency in the match.
By looking at the current records of Dinamo Kazan, it is easy to judge that Russian team is going to go a long way. The team has not dropped any of its matches and has emerged as Pool C leader.
With this particular win against Volero, Kazan booked a ticket for the quarterfinals in its debut season in Europe’s most exclusive competition.
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