Volzhanin Kostroma edged CSKA Moscow in a thrilling five-set Vysshaya Liga A encounter on Saturday night, winning 3-2 after a tense deciding set. The hosts held their nerve in a match that swung back and forth, ultimately taking the fifth set 15-12 to claim a memorable home victory.

Match overview

Volzhanin Kostroma took the first set 25-23, but CSKA Moscow responded strongly in the second, winning 25-22 to level the match. The hosts regained control in the third with a 25-20 scoreline, only for CSKA to force a decider by taking the fourth 25-23. The fifth set was a nervy affair, but Kostroma found the crucial points late to close it out 15-12.

Key moments

The fourth set was the most dramatic, with CSKA saving a match point at 23-24 before eventually converting their own set point. That momentum seemed to carry into the fifth, where CSKA led 8-6 at the changeover. Volzhanin Kostroma responded with a focused side-out phase and a decisive block that swung the lead back in their favor. A service ace sealed the win and sent the home crowd into celebration.

Tactical story

Kostroma’s ability to vary their attack from the middle kept CSKA’s block guessing, especially in the third and fifth sets. When CSKA’s serve pressure increased in the second and fourth sets, Kostroma struggled with reception, allowing the visitors to run their quick offense. The hosts’ bench also made a difference, with timely substitutions that reinforced the defense and provided fresh legs at the net.

Standout players

Volzhanin Kostroma’s outside hitter produced a high-volume attacking performance, carrying the team in key moments and finishing with a strong kill rate. Their setter managed the game intelligently, distributing to the middle and pipe attacks to keep CSKA off balance. For CSKA Moscow, the opposite hitter was a consistent threat, but the team’s error count in the fifth set proved costly.

Table and season impact

The win gives Volzhanin Kostroma an important early-season boost in the Vysshaya Liga A table, while CSKA Moscow will rue missed opportunities in a match they could have won. The five-setter underlined the competitive depth of the league and provided early drama for fans following the standings and results.