Zhemchuzhina Women produced a gritty five-set comeback to defeat Lileya Women 3-2 in a thrilling Championship Women encounter on 24 October 2026. The match swung one way and then the other before Zhemchuzhina sealed it in the deciding set, winning 22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-22, 15-13.

Match overview

Lileya Women started strongly, using their home support to build an early lead in the first set. Their serve was aggressive, and their block caused problems for Zhemchuzhina’s outside hitters. However, Zhemchuzhina refused to fold, gradually finding their rhythm and turning the match into a battle of attrition. The decisive fifth set was a tense affair, with both teams trading points before Zhemchuzhina edged ahead late.

How the sets unfolded

The first set belonged to Lileya. They broke away at 15-11 and maintained a three-to-four-point cushion. Zhemchuzhina saved two set points, but a powerful kill from the right side gave Lileya the opener 25-22.

Zhemchuzhina responded in the second set, tightening their defence and improving their serve-receive. The set was tied at 23-23 before two crucial points — a block and a service ace — levelled the match at one set apiece.

Lileya regained the initiative in the third, capitalising on a mid-set lull from Zhemchuzhina. A run of five consecutive points turned a 12-12 deadlock into a 17-12 lead, and Lileya closed it out 25-20.

The fourth set was a test of character. Zhemchuzhina trailed 18-20 but produced a stunning finish, scoring seven of the next nine points to force a decider. Their serving pressure finally disrupted Lileya’s passing, and the set ended 25-22.

In the fifth, the teams exchanged blows to 10-10. Zhemchuzhina then won three of the next four points, creating a gap they would not surrender. A final block sealed the 15-13 victory and completed the comeback.

Tactical story

Zhemchuzhina’s victory was built on resilience and late-set execution. They struggled early against Lileya’s block, but adjusted their attacking angles and began using the middle more effectively. Their serving in the fourth and fifth sets was decisive, keeping Lileya out of system and forcing predictable attacks. Lileya, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities at key moments, particularly in the fourth set when they held a two-point lead late on.

Standout performers

• Hanna Kazlova was outstanding for Zhemchuzhina, delivering crucial kills in the fourth and fifth sets and leading the team under pressure.
• Darya Makarevich controlled the net with several key blocks, especially in the deciding set.
• For Lileya, Volha Sidarovich was a constant threat, but her efforts were not enough to close out the match.

Season impact

The win lifts Zhemchuzhina Women’s confidence and strengthens their playoff credentials, while Lileya Women are left to reflect on a match they could have won. In a tightly contested Championship Women season, this five-set thriller could prove significant when the final standings are decided.