Monday, 15 Jul 2024

WNT Update: Headed for Champions League Semis

The CEV Champions League is heating up as two teams with U.S. players advance to the semifinals. Let’s take a look at the recent highlights and performances from our favorite players!

Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano vs. VakifBank Istanbul

On February 29, Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano from Italy secured their spot in the semifinals with a 3-1 victory over VakifBank Istanbul of Türkiye. U.S. outside hitters Kathryn Plummer and Kelsey Cook showcased their skills, contributing significantly to their team’s success. Plummer earned the match MVP title with 16 points, including 12 kills, two blocks, and two aces. Cook also made a strong impact with 13 points, including nine kills, two blocks, and two aces. The duo’s exceptional performance on the court was complemented by their excellent reception, with Plummer leading with 26 receptions and Cook following closely with 21. Setter Madi Bugg also got some playing time, while Khalia Lanier did not take the court.

VakifBank Istanbul’s Efforts

On the opposing side, VakifBank Istanbul’s Jordan Thompson and Chiaka Ogbogu put up a valiant fight, each scoring nine points in the match. Thompson displayed her skills with nine kills, while Ogbogu contributed with six kills and three blocks. Ali Frantti also made her presence known, adding seven points to the score with six kills and one block.

Allianz Vero Volley Milano vs. ŁKS Commercecon ŁÓDŹ

Allianz Vero Volley Milano from Italy secured their spot in the semifinals with a clean 3-0 victory over ŁKS Commercecon ŁÓDŹ from Poland on February 29. U.S. outside hitter Kara Bajema played a crucial role, contributing 10 points to the team’s success with seven kills, one block, and two aces. Middle blocker Dana Rettke also had a notable performance, scoring three points on three kills.

Fenerbahce Opet Istanbul vs. Allianz MTV Stuttgart

Fenerbahce Opet Istanbul from Türkiye secured their semifinal ticket with a four-set victory over Allianz MTV Stuttgart from Germany. U.S. middle Kayla Haneline and outside hitter Alexis Hart made significant contributions to their team’s success. Haneline scored five points, while Hart scored four points coming off the bench. Krystal Rivers, another U.S. opposite, led Stuttgart with an impressive 16 points from 16 kills.

Haleigh Washington and Savino Del Bene Scandicci’s Run

Middle blocker Haleigh Washington and Italy’s Savino Del Bene Scandicci fought valiantly against Türkiye’s Eczacibasi Dynavit Istanbul but unfortunately fell short with a 3-2 loss. Washington showcased her skills with 17 points, including nine kills, five blocks, and three aces.

In the semifinals starting on March 12, Conegliano will face Eczacibasi Dynavit Istanbul, while Milano will play against Fenerbahce Opet Istanbul.

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CEV Challenge Cup: Taylor Mims and Neptunes de Nantes

In the European competition, Taylor Mims and the French squad Neptunes de Nantes finished second in the Challenge Cup. Although they fell short in the finals against Italy’s Igor Gorgonzola Novara, with a 3-1 score, Mims led Nantes with an impressive performance, scoring 20 points with 18 kills, one block, and one ace.

Türkiye: Logan Eggleston’s Amazing Performance

Logan Eggleston, the U.S. outside hitter, showcased her skills on March 6, guiding Galatasaray Daikin to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Beşiktaş Ayos. Eggleston’s outstanding performance included an impressive 40 points with 34 kills, four blocks, and two aces. Her teammate, U.S. opposite Danielle Cuttino, also made her presence known, scoring three points on three kills. Daikin currently holds the sixth position in the league.

Stephanie Samedy’s Strong Performance

Stephanie Samedy, the U.S. opposite, delivered a stellar performance for Muratpaşa Bld. Sigorta Shop on March 6, leading her team to a 3-2 victory over Karayollari. Samedy’s dominant presence on the court resulted in 33 points, including 30 kills, one block, and two aces. U.S. outside hitter Micaya White also played a crucial role, contributing 21 points with 12 kills, one block, and a match-high eight aces.

Other Notable Performances in Türkiye

VakifBank, with Ali Frantti, Chiaka Ogbogu, and Jordan Thompson, secured the third place in the league and won two out of their last three matches. In their most recent match on March 6, they defeated Aydın Büyükşehir Belediyespor with a 3-1 score. Ogbogu contributed 11 points with 11 kills, and Thompson scored seven points with four kills and three blocks. Lauren Carlini, the setter, set the team to a .343 hitting efficiency.

Sarah Wilhite Parsons and Kuzeyboru are currently in fifth place, winning all their last three matches. In their most recent match on March 7, Kuzeyboru secured a 3-0 victory over Nilüfer Belediyespor. Wilhite Parsons led her team with 15 points from 14 kills and one block.

Italy: Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano’s Dominance

Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano shows no signs of slowing down as they remain unbeaten in the league. With players like Kelsey Cook, Kathryn Plummer, Khalia Lanier, and Madi Bugg, Conegliano has won all their last three matches. In their most recent match on March 6, they defeated Igor Gorgonzola Novara with a convincing 3-0 score. Cook stood out with 15 points from 14 kills and one ace, while Plummer added eight points with seven kills and one block.

Savino Del Bene Scandicci, with Haleigh Washington, has also been performing exceptionally well, winning their last three matches. In their most recent match on March 6, Scandicci secured a 3-0 victory over Wash4green Pinerolo. Washington contributed eight points from five kills, two blocks, and one ace. U.S. outside hitter Lindsey Ruddins added 14 points with 11 kills and three aces.

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Allianz Vero Volley Milano, with Kara Bajema and Dana Rettke, holds the third place in the league, just behind Scandicci. However, Milano suffered a setback on March 6, losing to Trasportipesanti Casalmaggiore with a 3-2 score. Despite the loss, Lee put up an impressive performance with 21 points from 20 kills and one block, and Hancock scored nine points with six kills, two blocks, and an ace. Rettke contributed five points with four kills and one block.

France: Taylor Mims and Neptunes de Nantes

Taylor Mims continues to shine in the French league, leading Neptunes de Nantes to victory on March 2 with a 3-1 score against Mulhouse. Mims showcased her talents with 24 points, including 19 kills, two blocks, and three aces. U.S. middle Jaelyn Keene also made a significant impact, contributing 14 points with seven kills, two blocks, and five aces. Carli Snyder, the U.S. outside hitter, scored 11 points with 10 kills and one ace.

In the French Cup semifinals on March 5, Nantes secured a 3-1 victory over Quimper. Mims continued to excel, scoring 16 points with 12 kills, one block, and three aces. Keene was named the MVP of the match, contributing 17 points with 10 kills, three blocks, and four aces.

Pro Volleyball Federation: Exciting Matches

In the U.S., the Pro Volleyball Federation has provided two weeks of exhilarating pro volleyball action. As of March 9, the Atlanta Vibe leads the league with a 6-3 record, closely followed by the Omaha Supernovas.

In their most recent match on March 4, Atlanta swept the Vegas Thrill with a dominant performance. Morgan Hentz, the libero, showcased her defensive skills with seven receptions and 12 digs. Tori Stringer, the setter, also contributed with a block, helping Atlanta achieve a remarkable .364 hitting efficiency. Alisha Glass Childress, the U.S. Olympic setter, was on the court for the Thrill, scoring four points with two kills and two blocks.

Omaha had an impressive victory over Atlanta on February 29, securing a 3-0 sweep. Brooke Nuneviller contributed double-digit digs and kills, while Kendall White displayed her defensive prowess with 10 digs. Tori Dixon, the former U.S. National Team middle blocker, stood out with seven points from three kills, three blocks, and one ace.

The Columbus Fury and the Orlando Valkyries are also strong contenders in the league, currently sitting in third and fifth place, respectively. The Fury won a thrilling 3-2 match against the Valkyries on March 3, with Megan Courtney Lush, the former Women’s National Team outside hitter, making notable contributions with nine points from seven kills and two blocks.

The San Diego Mojo, led by Women’s National Team middle blocker Hannah Tapp, secured a 3-2 victory over the Grand Rapids Rise on March 4. Tapp scored 13 points with 11 kills and two blocks, while Ronika Stone, the outside hitter, contributed 12 points with seven kills, three blocks, and two aces.

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Wrapping Up with Exciting International Competitions

As we conclude this update, we can’t overlook the impressive performance of Annie Drews from JT Marvelous in Japan. Drews led her team to an undefeated regular season, winning all 22 matches and advancing to the V League Final Stage. Although they fell short in the championship match against NEC Red Rockets with a 3-1 score, Drews contributed 28 points from 26 kills, one block, and one ace. Her outstanding performance throughout the regular season earned her the serving award and a spot among the league’s “Best 6” players.

In Germany, Justine Wong-Orantes and SC Potsdam secured an important victory over SSC Palmberg Schwerin. Wong-Orantes showcased her exceptional reception skills with 22 receptions, 50 percent positive, while Danielle Harbin, the U.S. opposite, scored 14 points with 11 kills and three blocks.

Brazil also witnessed intense competition, with Roni Jones Perry and SESC RJ Flamengo going 2-1 in their last three matches. Although they fell short with a 3-2 loss against Osasco Sao Cristovao Saude, Jones Perry’s remarkable performance stood out with 24 points, including 21 kills, one block, and two aces.

The world of volleyball is filled with excitement as teams and players showcase their skills on the grand stage. Stay tuned for more updates and thrilling matches to come!

FAQs

Q: Who are the teams with U.S. players that have advanced to the semifinals of the CEV Champions League?

A: Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano and Allianz Vero Volley Milano from Italy have advanced to the semifinals.

Q: Which U.S. players stood out in the CEV Champions League matches?

A: Kathryn Plummer, Kelsey Cook, Taylor Mims, and Kara Bajema showcased their skills and made significant contributions to their teams’ success.

Q: When will the semifinals of the CEV Champions League take place?

A: The semifinals are scheduled to begin on March 12.

Summary

Stay up to date with the latest happenings in the world of women’s professional volleyball. From exciting matches in the CEV Champions League to impressive performances in Türkiye, Italy, and beyond, the sport continues to captivate fans with its incredible action. Don’t miss out on the thrilling moments and remarkable displays of talent from our favorite U.S. players. Follow the journey of these outstanding athletes as they strive for greatness and make their mark on the volleyball world. Join us as we celebrate the sport and look forward to what’s to come in this exhilarating season. For more updates and information, visit our website at Alpinetgheep.com.