24/10/2013 16:19
Rabita BAKU happy with hard-fought victory over Omichka
2014 CEV DenizBank Volleyball Champions League - Women
Baku, Azerbaijan, October 24, 2013. Rabita BAKU – whose winning streak in the national league has already spanned for six consecutive seasons – started their quest for European glory by edging Russia’s rookie Omichka OMSK REGION on Thursday at the Sarhadchi Olympic Centre in Azerbaijan’s capital city. Last year’s silver medalists needed five sets and almost two hours before they could finally cash their first victory in prelim Pool A (25-16, 20-25, 25-19, 23-25, and 15-13).
Katarzyna Skowronska-Dolata and libero Brenda Castillo were the players who stood out for Rabita BAKU while Australian Rachel Rourke also contributed to the final result especially with her jump serves. Puerto Rican wing-spiker Aurea Cruz, on the other hand, helped Rabita with a very solid performance at the net as well as in defense. As for Omichka, the “Cats” as they are nicknamed in Russia were anchored by Natalya Mammadova and Cuban Nancy Carrillo.
Rabita block was good enough to stop Omichka spikers in the tie-break and take a much desired victory that was claimed before almost 2,000 fans.
“It was our first game in this competition and I have to say that my team showed quite a good performance tonight” said Rabita head coach Angiolino Frigoni. “The score could have been a little different but a victory remains a victory and the Russian team performed really strong”.
“I am very happy; the first victory in any competition always has a special and very sweet taste” commented Rabita team captain Sanja Starovic. “I am sure we will be able to improve on what we did tonight as we progress through the season”.
“It was a very tough game and it did take a lot of energy from us all” said Omichka superstar Natalya Mammadova.
Next week Rabita BAKU will travel to France and play there another rookie in Europe’s elite club competition, BEZIERS Volley, with the match scheduled for October 29.
Click here for more info including detailed stats of the match
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