Projekt Warsaw’s volleyball team has secured the Challenge Cup, marking a significant milestone in their history by overpowering Italy’s Mint Vero Volley Monza in the final. The Polish squad emerged victorious with a 3-1 win (27-25, 25-16, 17-25, 25-22) in the away second-leg match, replicating their first-leg success with an identical scoreline at home, ensuring a triumphant aggregate victory.
Starting their journey as top seeds in the 1/16 finals, Projekt Warsaw showcased their dominance early on, breezing past Slovenia’s Calcit Kamnik with straight sets in both matches. Their momentum didn’t wane as they subsequently dispatched France’s Saint-Nazaire and Romania’s Steaua Bucharest with minimal setbacks. The semi-finals saw them overcoming Finland’s Akaa-Volley, setting the stage for a memorable showdown with Monza.
This victory is particularly noteworthy as it marks Projekt Warsaw’s first European Cup success, a remarkable achievement for a team yet to clinch the Polish championship. Before this, AZS Częstochowa was the only Polish team to have won the Challenge Cup back in the 2011/2012 season.
The final match against Monza was a testament to Projekt Warszawa’s resilience and strategic prowess. Under the guidance of coach Piotr Graban, players like Firlej, Semeniuk, Tillie, and Szalpuk played pivotal roles in securing the win, displaying a blend of experienced play and youthful energy. Projekt Warszawa’s victory is not just a win but a statement of intent, signaling their emergence as a formidable force in European volleyball.
As Projekt Warsaw celebrates this historic achievement, they not only bring pride to their fans and city but also set a new benchmark for Polish volleyball on the European stage.