Serbian women mark first win in the semi-final of 2011 CEV Cup
The Serbian Women’s Volleyball Club, Crvena Zvezda BEOGRAD played the first match of semi-final round of the 2011 CEV Cup against Italy’s Chateau d’Ax URBINO on Wednesday, March 16. The Serbian team took full advantage of playing in front of local audience
and successfully dismantled the power of opponents. The Italian team created a bit of sensation in the second set of the game but on the whole failed in the hands of Serbs. Crvena Zvezda demonstrated a stellar performance and posted 3-1 (25-19, 23-25, 25-19,
and 25-21) victory over Italian team. This victory will surely prove to be a stepping stone for Serbian Team in the next match of the semi-final round. The two teams are scheduled to meet again next Sunday, which will reveal the final results.
According the new rules, a team has to either score two victories or capture the golden set in the case of tie.
Opening Set
The Serbs enjoyed a great form and opened the match on strong footing. The Italians were dragged under pressure in the first few minutes, which enabled home team to build a strong lead of 12-6. The Urbino squad trailed behind with a heavy margin but didn’t
lose heart. They put up a spirited effort and struggled to catch up with the speed of Serbs. In the meanwhile, the Serbian team provided them a perfect chance to gain stability with their frequent errors. The Italians benefitted from the mistakes of Serbs
and managed to tie the score at 13-all. Urbino was in good position after bringing the game to an even point. Somehow, they couldn’t keep up the same energy and once again suffered the set back. The Serbian girls controlled their movement in the court and
finished first set with victory (25-19).
Second Set
After dropping the opening set, Italians changed the strategy. They came from back row attack and served with more precision and accuracy. With better defence and attack tactics, Urbino attained the leading role in the game. At the first technical timeout,
Italians were ahead of hosts with a margin of 4 points (8-4). Ludovica Dalia of Italy played an instrumental role in putting her team in lead. On the other hand, the Serbian team hit back angrily. The uproar of fans enticed the Serbs to break the tempo of
Italian team. They threw everything in attack and tied the score at 12-all. Afterwards, the score shifted up with close gap of points. Italians realized that luck was standing on their side as the ball perfectly landed in the Serbian half time and again. The
hosts played with great temperament but couldn’t see their lucky moment in the second set. The visitors hit the equalizer by winning second set.
Third Set
Third set was an incredible show of volleyball by the Serbian team. Bojana Zivkovic worked magic for local team. She directed the ball in corners and contributed quick points in her team’s score. The hosts put up a combined effort and pulled off success
by posting 25-19.
Fourth Set
The tone and rhythm was almost set for Serbian team to do well in the fourth set. They played fast and tried to cover the length of first set swiftly. Italian side resisted but couldn’t stop Serbs from scoring. The local team added points after points and
closed fourth set with a score 25-21.
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