After facing Fenerbahce Stambuł, Polish volleyball club Assseco Resovia Rzeszów has successfully stormed its way to the semifinals of the CEV Cup. The thrilling rematch, held at the Podpromie Hall, ended with Resovia triumphing 3-1, marking another significant milestone for the team.
Initially, things looked grim for Resovia as they dropped the first set 17-25, seemingly struggling against the powerful Turkish side, especially with Star player Bartosz Bednorz sidelined due to injury. Early on, Fenerbahce took command with impressive serves and strong offensive plays, catching the home team off guard and establishing control.
But Resovia, under the leadership of coach Tuomas Sammelvuo, re-gathered its focus. The second set proved to be the turning point. Resovia stormed out to a 4-0 lead behind spectacular plays from Stephen Boyer and Klemen Cebulj. A combination of resilient defense and assertive attacks helped them switch momentum, eventually winning the second set 25-19.
“After losing the first set, we knew we had to regroup quickly,” Boyer stated after the match. “We didn’t want to let the home crowd down. It felt great to bounce back.”
The team’s confidence radiated throughout the third set, as they surged confidently to another victory, finishing it off 25-21. Resovia’s combination of powerful serves and strategic blocking made it nearly impossible for Fenerbahce to keep pace.
Fenerbahce did not yield easily, displaying flashes of brilliance, but Resovia's rigorous training and determination paid off. Their victory was capped off with another decisive set, 25-19, ensuring their advance to the semifinals. The crowd erupted as Adrian Staszewski delivered the final ace.
Resovia's Coach Sammelvuo emphasized the importance of teamwork and adaptability throughout challenges faced during the match. “Each of our players stepped up when it mattered most,” he remarked. “Even without Bartosz, we maintained our composure and executed our game plan effectively.”
The stakes were high before the match, as Resovia had already seized the upper hand with their prior 3-1 victory against Fenerbahce in the first leg. Now celebrating their place among the last four, they look forward to facing the winners between Tours VB and Knack Roeselare.
On the other side, the emotional weight lingered for Fenerbahce’s Fabian Drzyzga. The former Resovia player was welcomed back warmly by the fans, who showed immense respect for his time spent with the Polish team. Drzyzga could not conceal his disappointment after the match but remained optimistic about his future with Fenerbahce.
“It’s never easy to lose, especially against familiar faces,” Drzyzga said. “I’ve spent many years here and will always hold it close to my heart.”
With 4,300 fans cheering on Resovia, the atmosphere was electric, showcasing the vibrant volleyball culture embedded within Rzeszów. The spirit of unity and resilience shone brightly as players celebrated each point won and rallied together against adversities.
Assseco Resovia Rzeszów will now aim for their second consecutive CEV Cup title, having won it last year amid fierce competition. Standing one step closer to achieving their goal, the team must continue to fight against formidable opponents.
This victory is also more than just progress; it highlights the strength of the team and the bond they share with their supporters. Rzeszów’s hopes hang on the team as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
Their next match promises to be one for the history books as they seek to carve out their legacy within European volleyball.