Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

MNT Update: The Return of Aaron Russell

U.S. outside hitter Aaron Russell, the 2016 Olympian who has been recovering from hip surgery since last spring, recently made a triumphant return to the court. Playing for Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza in the Italian league, Russell made his first start on Nov. 14 and helped lead his team to a 3-1 victory over Top Volley Cisterna.

Russell showcased his skills by starting the first three sets and scoring eight points on eight kills. He also excelled in defense, being credited with 16 receptions and maintaining a 38 percent positive rating. His teammate, middle blocker Max Holt, also had a strong performance, scoring seven points on five kills and two blocks.

In other news from the Italian league, Sir Safety Conad Perugia, led by outside hitter Matt Anderson, remains undefeated in their first five matches. They recently swept Allianz Milano, with Anderson starting the first two sets and contributing six points.

Looking ahead, Perugia will soon begin their campaign in the CEV Champions League, where they will face Italy’s Trentino Itas on Dec. 2.

In Russia, setter Micah Christenson and Zenit Kazan are currently in second place in the Russian league with a 6-1 record. Christenson’s performance in their recent victory over Zenit St. Petersburg showcased his all-around skills, scoring points on two blocks and setting Kazan to an impressive .409 hitting efficiency.

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Christenson and Kazan have also been successful in the CEV Cup, winning both their matches against Estonia’s Bigbank Tartu. They will advance to the round of 16, where they will face Austria’s SK Zadruga AICH/DOB on Dec. 8-9.

Moving on to Poland, Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle, featuring libero Erik Shoji and middle blocker David Smith, remains unbeaten in the Polish league with a perfect 8-0 record. In their recent victory over Trefl Gdańsk, Smith contributed seven points on four kills, two blocks, and one ace. Shoji played a crucial role in defense, being credited with 17 receptions and maintaining a 59 percent positive rating.

Kędzierzyn-Koźle is set to make their debut in the CEV Champions League on Dec. 1, facing OK Merkur Maribor from Slovenia.

Other notable performances in Poland include outside hitter T.J. DeFalco’s outstanding showing for Indykpol AZS Olsztyn. DeFalco, who has been named MVP in Olsztyn’s last two matches, led all scorers with 19 points in their victory over Cuprum Lubin. He impressed with 14 kills, three blocks, and two aces.

In Turkey, setter Kawika Shoji and Spor Toto have been on the rise, improving their record to 5-3 with consecutive wins. In their recent match against Sorgun BLD., Shoji helped secure a 3-0 victory with a block and his exceptional setting skills, achieving a .493 hitting efficiency. U.S. outside hitter David Wieczorek also had a notable performance for Sorgun BLD., scoring seven points.

In Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv, featuring opposite Kyle Ensing, outside hitter J.T. Hatch, and libero Josh Ayzenberg, remains undefeated with a 5-0 record in the men’s league. In their recent victory over Academy, both Ensing and Hatch contributed four points on four kills each. Ayzenberg showed his defensive prowess, being credited with three receptions.

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Lastly, in Germany, the Berlin Recycling Volleys, led by opposite Ben Patch, middle blocker Jeff Jendryk, outside hitter Cody Kessel, and setter Matt West, continue their unbeaten streak with a perfect 8-0 record. Patch’s dominant performance in their recent win over SWD Powervolleys Düren stood out, as he led all scorers with 18 points on 15 kills and three aces. Jendryk also made significant contributions with nine points, while Kessel and West provided valuable support as substitutes.

Looking ahead, Berlin will be competing in the CEV Champions League, starting on Dec. 1 against Vojvodina NS Seme Novi Sad from Serbia.

FAQs

Q: Which league did Aaron Russell make his first start in since recovering from hip surgery?
A: Aaron Russell made his first start for Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza in the Italian league.

Q: Who are the key players for Sir Safety Conad Perugia?
A: Matt Anderson is the outside hitter for Sir Safety Conad Perugia, and they have been undefeated in their first five matches.

Q: What is Micah Christenson’s position and current team in Russia?
A: Micah Christenson is a setter for Zenit Kazan, currently in second place in the Russian league.

Q: Who are the standout players for Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle in Poland?
A: Erik Shoji is the libero, and David Smith is the middle blocker for Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle.

Q: Who had an exceptional performance for Indykpol AZS Olsztyn in their recent match?
A: T.J. DeFalco had an outstanding performance, with 19 points in their victory over Cuprum Lubin.

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Summary

In this article, we discussed the return of U.S. outside hitter Aaron Russell to the court after recovering from hip surgery. We highlighted his first start for Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza in the Italian league, where he had an impressive performance and helped lead his team to victory.

We also covered other notable players and teams in different leagues, including Sir Safety Conad Perugia in Italy, Zenit Kazan in Russia, Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle in Poland, and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.

Furthermore, we provided some frequently asked questions related to the article’s topic and answered them to provide further information to the readers.

Make sure to stay updated with the latest news and upcoming matches of these talented players and teams. Visit Alpinetgheep.com for more exciting volleyball updates.