Panathinaikos reign supreme in Belgrade to book #CEVChallengeCupW semi-final spot

Panathinaikos ATHENS had a huge advantage coming into the rematch scheduled for the quarterfinals of the women’s CEV Challenge Cup. However, the first few minutes of the game showed that Serbia’s Red Star was not going to surrender without a fight.

To the home team’s credit it was an even game throughout the first set, however the Greek side did not let Red Star come too close, or take over the lead. As the set was closing, it looked like the home team was going for the tie and possible turnover, but Panathinaikos stepped up when it was needed and confidently won the first set (25-21).

The second part of the game started in a similar manner, however the experience and the quality of the visiting team started showing and even though they were fighting valiantly, the home team just did not have the strength to outplay Panathinaikos. At the end of the second set the ‘Greens’ broke off and started increasing their lead, winning it 25-17 and qualifying for the CEV Challenge Cup semi-finals.

More of the same at the start of the third set, where it was clear that the visiting side was more relaxed, which the home team took advantage of and managed to snatch a victory (25-23). Panathinaikos stepped up in the fourth set, although the game was still quite even. They managed to take back control of the game and close it out with a comfortable 3-1 win and a place in the semi-finals.

Nadja Antonovic was the most efficient player on both sides with 22 points, followed closely by Panathinaikos Micaya Monet White with 16 points, and Monika Lampkowska with 15 points. In the semi-finals Panathinaikos will face the better in the matchup of GS Panionios NEA SMYRNI and Olympiada Neapolis NICOSIA.