Igtisadchi rallies to beat Romanian Stiinta in three sets

Igtisadchi prevailed against a resilient Stiinta Bacau side, winning in three sets, 25:22, 25:23, 25:17, in Romania on Wednesday in the first match of the 2010-11 Challenge Cup Round of 8.

In the first set, Stiinta claimed an early 9:1 advantage before Igtisadchi mounted a counter rally to take the first lead in the match, 15:14. The host team has managed to pull ahead again, 20:17, but Igtisadchi remained calm and collected, and went on a 8:2 set-ending rally to win the set, 25:22.

Igtsidachi leapt out to a quick 8:2 lead in the second set and then it was the Romanian team that put forth a tremendous defensive effort to tie the set at 14. In ensuing minutes, the lead changed hands six times, with Stiinta holding a 22:20 lead before Igtisadchti snatched the set 25:23.

Both teams traded points through much of the third set, before Wing and Lehtonen led Igtisadchi to forge ahead for a critical 23:16 lead late in the game. Moments later, Igtsiadchi closed the set and the match 25:17.

The return leg match is scheduled for next Tuesday, February 8.