Men’s volleyball is heating up overseas, and Matt Anderson along with Türkiye’s Ziraat Bankkart Ankara have made it to the semifinals of the CEV Champions League. In another exciting match, TJ DeFalco, representing Poland’s Asseco Resovia Rzeszów, will face off against Matthew Knigge and Germany’s SVG Lüneburg in the finals of the CEV Cup. Additionally, Poland’s Projekt Warszawa, led by Taylor Averill, emerged victorious in the CEV Challenge Cup. Let’s dive deeper into the results and highlights of these thrilling competitions!
CEV Champions League
Ziraat Bankkart Ankara, with the outstanding performance of Matt Anderson, secured a spot in the semifinals after a thrilling quarterfinal match against Spain’s Guaguas Las Palmas. In the first encounter on February 22, Ankara clinched a victory with a score of 3-1 (17-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23). Anderson played a crucial role, contributing 16 points, including 13 kills, two blocks, and one ace with an impressive hitting efficiency of .462.
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Though they faced a setback in the second match on February 28, losing 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-18), Ankara managed to secure their spot in the semifinals by winning the golden set with a score of 15-7. It is worth noting that Anderson did not participate in this particular match. Ankara will be facing Poland’s Jastrzębski Węgiel in the semifinals.
Micah Ma’a, representing Türkiye’s host team Halkbank Ankara, unfortunately did not advance to the next stage after losing two matches against Italy’s Cucina Lube Civitanova. On February 21, Halkbank suffered a defeat with a score of 3-1 (25-21, 25-21, 25-27, 25-21). Ma’a contributed three points, including three kills, setting Ankara to an impressive hitting efficiency of .441. The following week, on February 28, Ankara fell short again with a score of 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-15, 25-23). Ma’a scored one point through a kill, setting Ankara to a .410 hitting efficiency.
Berlin Recycling Volleys, featuring Cody Kessel, faced defeat in both quarterfinal matches against Italy’s Itas Trentino. On February 21, Berlin lost with a score of 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-17). Kessel contributed by playing as a substitute and scoring one point through a kill. The following week, on February 29, Berlin lost again with a score of 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-22). Kessel played as a substitute once more and started the third set, accumulating four points through three kills and one block.
CEV Cup
Asseco Resovia Rzeszów, hosted in Poland, secured their place in the CEV Cup finals with the exceptional performance of TJ DeFalco. In the first semifinal match on February 21, Resovia Rzeszów emerged victorious with a score of 3-1 (25-12, 25-17, 22-25, 25-21) against Türkiye’s Fenerbahce PRL Istanbul. DeFalco played as a substitute and contributed two points through two kills.
In the second match on February 29, Resovia Rzeszów showcased their dominance with a resounding victory of 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 28-26). DeFalco started the first two sets and scored an impressive 15 points, including 11 kills, two blocks, and two aces.
Their opponent in the finals will be Germany’s SVG Lüneburg, boasting U.S. middle blockers Blake Leeson and Matthew Knigge, as well as libero Gage Worsley. Lüneburg secured their spot in the finals after going 1-1 against Türkiye’s Arkas Izmir and winning the golden set. In the first match on February 21, Lüneburg clinched a victory with a score of 3-0 (27-25, 25-23, 25-20). Knigge contributed nine points through seven kills and two blocks, while Worsley showcased his prowess with 12 receptions at a positive rate of 25%.
In the second match on February 28, Lüneburg emerged victorious once again with a score of 3-1 (17-25, 25-23, 30-28, 25-18), winning the golden set with a score of 15-8. Knigge showcased an impressive performance, accumulating 14 points through eight kills, five blocks, and one ace. Leeson started the final four sets, contributing six points through three kills, two blocks, and one ace. Worsley continued to showcase his defensive skills, recording 16 receptions at a positive rate of 44%.
CEV Challenge Cup
Poland’s Projekt Warszawa, led by middle blocker Taylor Averill, emerged triumphant in the CEV Challenge Cup, securing two wins against Italy’s Vero Volley Monza. Averill did not participate in either of the matches.
TÜRKIYE
Micah Ma’a and Halkbank Ankara maintained their impressive performance, securing victories in the last two weeks and remaining at the top of the league with a flawless record of 21-0. On February 17, Halkbank secured a victory with a score of 3-0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-14) against Kuşgöz İzmir Vinç Akkuş Belediye. Ma’a showcased his versatility by contributing eight points through five kills, two blocks, and one ace, setting his team to an outstanding hitting efficiency of .562. On February 24, Halkbank continued their winning streak with a convincing victory of 3-0 (25-12, 25-16, 25-16) against Bigadic Bld. Ma’a played as a substitute in this match.
Matt Anderson and Ziraat Bankkart (15-6) faced setbacks in their last two matches. On February 17, Ziraat Bankkart suffered a defeat with a score of 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-22) against Fenerbahçe Parolapara. Anderson showcased his exceptional skills, leading all scorers with 19 points, including 16 kills, two blocks, and one ace with an impressive hitting efficiency of .483. On February 24, Spor Toto defeated Ziraat Bankkart in a thrilling match with a score of 3-2 (26-24, 11-25, 19-25, 25-22, 26-24). Anderson did not participate in this particular match.
JAPAN
Thomas Jaeschke and the Panasonic Panthers (28-2) showcased their dominance by winning three out of their last four matches and maintaining their position at the top of the league. On February 17, the Panthers secured a victory against Wolfdogs Nagoya with a score of 3-2 (25-23, 19-25, 25-17, 12-25, 16-14). Jaeschke contributed 12 points through nine kills and three aces. However, Nagoya made a stunning comeback and defeated the Panthers 3-2 (25-17, 25-23, 19-25, 22-25, 15-9) in the rematch. Jaeschke started the first set but did not score.
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The Panthers emerged triumphant against the Nippon Steel Sakai Blazers with a score of 3-1 (25-22, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22) on February 23. Jaeschke did not participate in this particular match. In the rematch on February 24, the Panthers secured another victory with a score of 3-1 (22-25, 38-36, 25-15, 25-21). Jaeschke showcased his outstanding skills, contributing 10 points, including eight kills and two blocks.
Congratulations to Aaron Russell and Kendall on the arrival of their daughter, Rylee Ena, in February! Russell, along with JT Thunders Hiroshima (20-10), showcased an impressive performance, winning two out of their last four matches. Hiroshima suffered two defeats against the Toray Arrows, with scores of 3-2 (34-36, 25-23, 25-21, 17-25, 17-15) and 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-20). Russell did not participate in either match to be with his family. However, he made a strong comeback on February 24, leading Hiroshima to a resounding victory of 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-21) against the VC Nagano Tridents. Russell showcased his exceptional skills, scoring 15 points through 13 kills, one block, and one ace. He continued his outstanding performance in the rematch on February 25, accumulating 19 points through 15 kills, three blocks, and one ace.
POLAND
Grupa Azoty Kędzierzyn-Koźle (11-11) secured victories in their last two matches. On February 16, they emerged triumphant with a score of 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-19) against Enea Czarni Radom. Erik Shoji, named the match MVP, showcased his defensive skills with nine digs and 14 receptions. Unfortunately, David Smith did not participate in this particular match. Kędzierzyn-Koźle continued their winning streak with a score of 3-1 (20-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-23) against Barkom Kazany Lviv on February 24. Shoji maintained his exceptional performance, accumulating eight digs, while Smith did not participate in this particular match.
Projekt Warszawa, featuring Taylor Averill, secured third place in the league with a record of 18-4. On February 18, they secured a convincing victory of 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-20) against Trefl Gdansk. Averill did not participate in this particular match.
Indykpol AZS Olsztyn (10-13), with setter Josh Tuaniga, secured a victory on February 17 with a score of 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 26-24, 25-20) against Asseco Resovia Rzeszów (16-7) featuring TJ DeFalco. Tuaniga showcased his exceptional setting skills, contributing 18 assists and an ace while sharing the duties with fellow setter Karol Jankiewicz. On the other hand, DeFalco showcased his exceptional skills, accumulating 15 points through 13 kills, one ace, and one block.
On February 25, Indykpol faced a tough defeat with a score of 3-2 (18-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 15-10) against GKS Katowice. Tuaniga showcased his defensive skills, accumulating 11 digs, while leading his team to an impressive hitting efficiency of .396.
Rzeszów suffered a second consecutive defeat on February 25, with a score of 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-20, 27-25) against Exact Systems Hemarpol Częstochowa. DeFalco led his team with 14 points, including 13 kills and one ace. In this match, Kaleb Jenness, a U.S. outside hitter for Częstochowa, started the first set and recorded a kill.
KGHM Cuprum Lubin (5-17), who secured a victory against Ślepsk Malow Suwałki on February 12, faced defeats in their next two matches. On February 17, Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie defeated Lubin with a score of 3-1 (25-18, 25-21, 19-25, 25-19). Jake Hanes showcased his exceptional skills, leading Lubin with 13 points, including 10 kills, two aces, and one block. In their next encounter on February 24, Jastrzębski Węgiel defeated Lubin with a score of 3-1 (21-25, 25-11, 25-16, 25-20). Hanes continued to excel, scoring 16 kills and two blocks.
ITALY
In the Italian SuperLega, Gabi Garcia of Pallavolo Padova (7-13) showcased his skills in a match against Sir Susa Vim Perugia (15-5) on February 18. Despite Padova’s defeat with a score of 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-23), Garcia recorded four kills. However, Padova managed to secure a victory against Catania on February 14 with a score of 3-2 (25-23, 21-25, 25-20, 19-25, 15-11). Garcia showcased his exceptional skills, contributing 13 points through 12 kills and one ace.
Padova faced another defeat on February 24, falling short against Vero Volley Monza with a score of 3-1 (25-20, 25-18, 23-25, 25-12). Garcia started the first two sets and recorded one point through a kill.
Prisma Taranto Volley (3-19), featuring middle blocker Jeff Jendryk and opposite Kyle Russell, secured a victory against Piacenza with a score of 3-1 (25-22, 25-15, 20-25, 25-21) on February 14. Jendryk contributed 10 points through eight kills, one block, and one ace. Russell played as a substitute and scored four points through four kills.
However, Taranto fell short against Milano with a score of 3-1 (27-29, 25-22, 25-14, 25-21) on February 18. Jendryk started the first three sets and accumulated seven points through seven kills. Russell played as a substitute and scored three points through three kills.
Rana Verona (13-9), with opposite Francesco Sani, secured a victory against Piacenza with a score of 3-1 (25-22, 25-15, 20-25, 25-21) on February 14. However, they faced defeat against Milano with a score of 3-0 (20-25, 23-25, 16-25) on February 18. On February 25, Verona emerged triumphant with a score of 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 28-26) against Cisterna Volley. Sani played as a substitute and did not score in any of the matches.
RUSSIA
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Micah Christenson and Zenit Kazan (22-3) showcased their dominance with victories in their last two matches. On February 18, they secured a convincing victory with a score of 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-12) against Kuzbass Kemerovo. Christenson contributed one point through a block. He showcased his exceptional setting skills, leading Kazan to a hitting efficiency of .636.
In their next match on February 25, Zenit Kazan secured another victory with a score of 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-22) against Ural Ufa. Christenson contributed one point through an ace. Once again, he showcased his exceptional setting skills, leading Kazan to an impressive hitting efficiency of .362.
FRANCE
Chaumont Volley-Ball 52 (17-5), featuring middle blockers Patrick Gasman and Michael Marshman, emerged triumphant in their last two matches, showcasing their dominance in the league. On February 17, they secured a victory with a score of 3-1 (22-25, 25-17, 26-24, 25-18) against Sète. Marshman led the team with 13 points through 10 kills, two blocks, and one ace. Gasman did not participate in this particular match. U.S. middle Dan McDonnell contributed nine points through eight kills and one block. U.S. setter Joe Worsley scored a point through a block and set Chaumont to an outstanding hitting efficiency of .469.
On February 23, Chaumont showcased their dominance by sweeping Tourcoing with a score of 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-14). Gasman contributed seven points through four kills and three blocks, while Marshman added four points through four kills. Worsley scored two points with a block and an ace, setting the team to a .440 hitting efficiency.
St-Nazaire (11-11), with Kyle Ensing, Jordan Ewert, and Quinn Isaacson, secured a victory against Poitiers with a score of 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-22) on February 17. Ensing led the team with 11 points through nine kills, one block, and one ace. Ewert contributed eight points through seven kills and one block. Isaacson did not participate in this match.
In their next encounter on February 24, St-Nazaire fell short against Toulouse with a score of 3-2 (25-17, 23-25, 25-20, 17-25, 19-17). Ensing showcased his exceptional skills, accumulating 17 points through 14 kills and three blocks. Ewert contributed 16 points through 15 kills and one block. Isaacson scored five points through two kills and three blocks. Isaacson showcased his setting skills, leading the team to a hitting efficiency of .342.
Libero Kyle Dagostino and Narbonne (3-17) suffered a defeat against Paris with a score of 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-17) on February 24. Dagostino was credited with 15 receptions at a positive rate of 40%.
CHINA
In the Championship Round on February 25, Beijing BAIC, with middle blocker Max Holt, secured a victory against Shanghai Guangming with a score of 3-1 (25-20, 25-17, 12-25, 25-19).
GERMANY
Cody Kessel and the Berlin Recycling Volleys (19-2) secured a thrilling victory against SVG Luneburg on February 27 with a score of 3-2 (25-16, 25-20, 20-25, 21-25, 15-9). Kessel played as a substitute and contributed one point through a block. Blake Leeson and Matthew Knigge, representing Luneburg, each contributed seven points through five kills, one block, and one ace. Gage Worsley showcased his defensive skills, recording 16 receptions at a positive rate of 31%.
AUSTRIA
Libero Tim McIntosh and Hypo Tirol (18-0) emerged victorious in the league’s regular-season title. On February 25, they secured their first playoff quarterfinal match victory against VCA Amstetten NÖ by default, as Amstetten’s arena was not prepared in time for the match due to some junior matches. The teams are scheduled to play again on March 2.
NETHERLANDS
Nova Tech Lycurgus, featuring outside hitter Kyle McCauley, faced defeats in their first two playoff matches. In the second match on February 24, Lycurgus fell to Draisma Dynamo with a score of 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-23). McCauley led his team with 15 points through 14 kills and one ace. U.S. setter Cole Bogner contributed three points through a kill, a block, and an ace.
FINLAND
On February 18, libero Troy Gooch and Hurrikaani-Loimaa (20-5) secured a victory against Karelian Hurmos with a score of 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 25-20, 25-19). Gooch was credited with 26 receptions at a positive rate of 63%. Greg Petty, a U.S. outside hitter, led all scorers with 24 points through 20 kills, one block, and three aces.
Loimaa continued their winning streak with a convincing victory of 3-0 (25-22, 25-10, 25-13) over Ability Betset on February 25. Gooch did not play in this particular match. Petty started the first two sets and contributed nine points through nine kills.
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