Conegliano continued their impressive run in the CEV Champions League Volley Women, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Zeren Spor Kulübü in the first leg of their quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The Italian powerhouse demonstrated their championship pedigree, sweeping the Turkish side with set scores of 25-21, 25-18, and 25-17. A standout performance from veteran opposite hitter Zhu Ting, including a spectacular defensive play that resulted in a direct point, highlighted the match and ignited excitement among her teammates and coach.
The victory puts Conegliano in a strong position heading into the second leg, scheduled for March 18 at the Palaverde in Italy. Just two sets are needed to secure their place in the Final Four, which will be held in Istanbul from May 2-3. This win similarly extends Conegliano’s winning streak to an impressive 29 consecutive matches in the competition, setting a historical record in the CEV Champions League.
Zhu Ting, 31, was a key contributor to Conegliano’s success, finishing with 14 points and boasting an impressive 58% attack efficiency, earning her the MVP award for the match. Her exceptional play wasn’t just about scoring; a remarkable defensive effort, where she made an incredible save that directly translated into a point, particularly stood out. The play drew a visible reaction from coach Daniele Santarelli and her teammates, who enthusiastically celebrated the moment.
Despite the absence of Gabi due to a lingering costal injury, Conegliano’s lineup proved formidable. Captain Paola Egonu and Haak led the attack, while Zhu and Neneh Sillah provided strong contributions on the outside. The team’s cohesive blocking, with a total of 10 blocks, proved crucial in stifling Zeren’s offense. Setter Joanna Wołosz orchestrated the attack effectively, distributing the ball to a variety of hitters.
Zeren Spor Kulübü, making their debut campaign in the CEV Champions League, put up a fight but ultimately couldn’t match Conegliano’s experience and firepower. Coach Ljubicic’s team, featuring players like Malinov, Uzelac, and Lazareva, struggled to contain Conegliano’s relentless attack and strong defensive play.
Earlier in the tournament, Conegliano demonstrated their dominance in Pool D with a 3-0 victory over ŁKS Commercecon Łódź on February 4, 2026, further solidifying their position as one of Europe’s top teams as reported by WorldofVolley. Zeren also secured a Pool D win against Dresdner SC, showcasing their potential in the competition.
The second leg of the quarterfinal promises to be a compelling contest, with Conegliano aiming to close out the series and advance to the Final Four. Zeren will undoubtedly look to put up a stronger challenge on Italian soil, but they face a daunting task against a team that appears to be in peak form. The CEV Champions League continues to deliver thrilling volleyball action, with the competition intensifying as teams battle for a coveted spot in the final stages.
The upcoming return leg will be a crucial test for both teams, with Conegliano seeking to maintain their momentum and Zeren aiming to salvage their Champions League hopes. Volleyball fans eagerly await the rematch, anticipating another exciting display of skill and determination from these top European clubs.
What are your thoughts on Conegliano’s chances of winning the CEV Champions League this year? Share your predictions and comments below!
