In the return match of the qualifying round (1/32 final) of the Challenge Cup of the 2023/24 season, Balta was the nominal host. Although the game itself, according to the agreement of the parties, was again held in Baku - in the native walls of the "Azerrail" players.

October 18 (Wednesday)

Challenge Cup 2023/24. The second game

Baku, Azerbaijan (A.Y.S. Sport Hall)

SC "Balta" — "Azerrail" 0-3 (23:25, 15:25, 19:25)

Our athletes had to win with a score of 3-0 or 3-1 in order to keep their chances of going to the next stage of the competition, and only then think about the "golden" set. However, the matter never reached it.

The beginning of the match remained for the Ukrainians (4:2, 6:4). After a successful attack by Daria Skliarova, their lead increased to three points. The Azerbaijani players evened the parity before the middle of the set, which prompted Andrii Romanovych to take a 30-second break (9:9).

The time-out helped: his wards not only regained the two-point advantage but also slightly increased it (22:19). However, unfortunately, on the serve of Mariam Gaprindashvili, who distinguished herself with several aces and knocked Balta out of the reception, "Azerrail" made a decisive spurt - 23:25.

There was no special intrigue in the second set. Because our opponents had the initiative from the very beginning till the end. Therefore, in the end, the volleyball players of "Balta" were able to reach the mark of only 15 points. After that, Romanovych's team lost all chances to reach the 1/16 finals. Despite this, the representatives of Azerbaijan did not lose momentum in the next set - 19:25.