The women’s team made the first step for the qualification to the Challenge Cup semi-finals winning 3-1 against Bekescsaba in Hungary in the first leg of the quarter-finals. The Reds fought hard and although lost the first set, overturned the game and got a clear victory that gives them the advantage of qualifying in the semi-finals. The second match will be held in Renti on Tuesday 3 March and the Greek team needs two sets to secure the ticket for the next phase. In the semifinals, the qualifying team will face the winner of the match “Ladies in Black Aachen – BEZIERS VB. 

Key data:

The sets: 1-3: 26-24 (31'), 23-25 (29'), 19-25 (26'), 23-25 (31')

1st set: 4-8, 15-16, 19-21, 26-24

2nd set: 8-5, 14-16, 20-21, 23-25 

3rd set: 5-8, 10-16, 15-21, 19-25 

4th set: 5-8, 13-16, 21-20, 23-25 

Bekescsaba: Jerkov, Collar 22, Grbic 2, Bodovics 2, Klaric 25, Molcsanyi (L) / Fabian, Szedmak

Olympiacos (Branko Kovacevic): Zivojinovic 14, Scott 9, Lamprousi 8, Christodoulou 5, Hippe 25, Zakchaiou 16, Konomi -L / Kakouratou (L), Giota

Statements:

The Head Coach Branko Kovacevic stated: "It was a strong game for both teams to be close to capacity and quality. There was a great atmosphere on the court and it was a very important win and result for us, in view of the second match. Today our attack could be even better but our defense and blocks are what led us to victory. Certainly, the second game will be equally difficult and we hope our fans will create an even better atmosphere and all together celebrate the qualification to the semifinals. " 

Katerina Zakhaiou mentioned: “It was a difficult game. We fought from the start seriously and with strong blocks and important defenses at critical points, we got the win. We have the advantage ahead of the second match but we have to fight hard to get the qualification to the semifinals."