Italy, November 24, 2020. The Pool E began 1st Leg of the 4th Round at CEV Champions League Volley 2021 - Women with four teams competing over three days in Pala Igor Gorgonzola NOVARA. The seven-time Polish champions Grupa Azoty Chemik POLICE recorded a straight-set win over VK UP OLOMOUC.Consistent form of the setter allowed all of spikers from the Polish team to thrive and secure a victory on the first day.

It was the second half of the set that allowed POLICE to establish a four-point lead that resulted in a 18-25 win. OLOMOUC kept one step ahead from the beginning of the second set, but the Polish side took the strong lead yet again, winning that part by six points. The game continued point by point in the first minutes of the set, but POLICE found their consistency to complete the match in three sets. The Polish setter Marlena Kowalewska was awarded MVP of the game, for having been able to play at the best with all of her attackers.

• It was a very special game for Jovana Brakocevic Canzian, who was playing in Pala Igor last season, defending Novara's colours. Agnieszka Kakolewska is the only other player who has already played in this venue before, but as an opponent - in Casalmaggiore and Scandicci jerseys.

• The assistant coach PRZEMYSŁAW KAWKA  filled in as a head-coach for POLICE, as Ferhat Akbas was unable to travel to Novara.

• Jovana Brakocevic Canzian was the top scorer of the match with 16 points, followed by Lucie Nova who scored 15 points for OLOMOUC

• POLICE showed a collective effort, scoring 7 aces and 12 blocks. On the other side of the next OLOMOUC scored 4 points in each element

Marlena Kowalewska, setter of Grupa Azoty Chemik POLICE: "I am very proud of my team for having achieved a victory. We knew that this game would have been difficult and crucial for our European campaign. Tomorrow we have another difficult game, Kazan played a very tough and high level game today. We know it, but we are also confident about our chance to get a good result".

Katerina Valkova, setter of VK UP OLOMOUC: "It was my first game ever in Champions League and of course I am excited about it. We are happy to be here, to be playing in the most prestigious European Cup and we know we can play better. Tomorrow we are facing another strong opponents who are coming from a wonderful victory. We will do our best and try to enjoy it, as we have nothing to loose".