Champions League 2023/24 (Women)
Group E. 1st round. November 7
Le Cannet (La Palestre). France
"Volero Le Cannet" — SC Prometey 3-0 (25:20, 25:22, 25:20)
The away match against "Le Cannet" in the first round of the group stage of the Champions League ended in an "easy" defeat for "Prometey". Although Ukrainians definitely deserved to take at least a set.
Apparently, the starting excitement showed, because our girls did not look like themselves for some time (3:0). However, they quickly found the rhythm of the match. With the efforts of Yevheniia Khober, the "red and whites" leveled the scoreboard (4:4). Unfortunately, the opponents responded with a spurt that forced Ivan Petkov to take a time-out (8:4).
In those moments, Leigh Dayon, the setter of "Volero Le Cannet", mainly assisted the outside hitter Eva Yaneva. The Bulgarian acted flawlessly in the final stage of attacks (11:6). In addition, the hosts skillfully read the game and, accordingly, acted well in defense. Because of this, it was difficult for "Prometey" to turn the tide of the confrontation.
With the appearance of Melissa Bukman in the game, our team reduced the gap to two points. The Turk served well, and in the front line she was ruthless for the French player Marta Drpa (19:17). Opponents made conclusions during the time-out and eventually brought the set to their own victory - 25:20.
The beginning of the next set was marked by protracted rallies, most of which ended in favor of the Ukrainians (1:2). The teams moved toe-to-toe, but two errors in the attack not at the equator of the set allowed the representatives of "Volero" to break away from the score (12:8).
Ivan Petkov gave personal instructions to Daria Sharhorodska to play the first pace more often. These and other tactical changes from the coaching staff of the "red and white" worked. Soon, a double block by Svitlana Dorsman and Melissa Bukman brought Prometey closer by one point, and a failed shot by the French players restored parity (18:18).
Moreover, successful actions over the net of Marta Drpa forced the opponents to try on the role of those who catch up (19:20). A time-out by Danilo Pejovic once again brought Volero Le Cannet volleyball players to their senses. After some time, an error on the serve of one of our players moved the match into the third set - 25:22.
At such moments, the first thing that came to mind was the debut meeting of the clubs in last year's Champions League draw. Then the Ukrainians, while also losing 0-2 in sets, decided on an incredible comeback. And today "Prometey" had chances to win at least one set. For example, in the third one they had the initiative (2:4, 6:7). However, our athletes could not keep this advantage - 25:20.
Starting line-up of SC "Prometey": Meliushkyna (2), Dorsman (c) (4), Khober (5), Milenkovych (7), Drpa (11), Sharhorodska (1), Niemtseva (l), Vasylieva (l). Substitutes: Bukmen (3), Danchak (2), Kharchenko (5), Oliinyk, Maievska.
