Sharjah Women’s Sports Club took a significant step toward reaching the final of the 2024/2025 Women’s Volleyball League, securing a well-deserved 3-1 victory over Al Wasl in the first leg of the semifinals. The match, held at the Sharjah Women’s Sports Club arena, showcased high-level competition, and positioned Sharjah in a strong position ahead of the decisive second leg.

A Strong Comeback After a Tough Start

The match began with intense competition, as Al Wasl managed to set the pace in the first set, winning it 25-20. However, Sharjah Women’s Sports Club quickly regained its balance, imposing its dominant playing style in the following three sets. The team won with scores of 25-14, 25-17, and 25-19, clinching the match 3-1.

The Sharjah players excelled in the offensive phase, delivering powerful spikes that challenged Al Wasl’s defense. The team also showcased defensive strength, solid serve receptions, and precise serves, which contributed to turning the game in their favor.

Coach’s Statement: The Team Delivered Under Pressure

Following the match, head coach Karim Ben Ayad praised the team's performance, stating: "This victory would not have been possible without everyone’s collective effort, from the players to the technical and administrative staff, along with the continuous support from the club’s management. They provided us with all the mental and psychological support needed to ensure optimal preparation for this crucial stage. The players rose to the responsibility and executed the tactical plan with precision, maintaining their focus despite the pressure of the match."

He added: "We were fully aware of the importance of this match and the strength of the opponent. Semifinal matches always have a unique intensity, requiring maximum concentration. We successfully capitalized on our strong serves, which helped us control the game’s rhythm. Despite the difficulty of the match, the players exhibited a high fighting spirit, which made the difference."

Looking ahead, he noted: "We still have the second leg ahead, and we know it won’t be easy because the opponent will fight hard to reverse the result. However, we are ready for the challenge and will do everything we can to secure our place in the final deservedly."

Focus and Fighting Spirit: The Key to Victory

Latifa Al Kaabi, a player for Sharjah Women’s Sports Club, expressed her happiness with the victory, saying: "It was a tough match, as expected, especially against a highly experienced team. Even after losing the first set, we didn’t lose focus. We managed to come back strong and control the game’s pace. We handled the pressure of the match with confidence, and the most important aspect was that we played with a high sense of team spirit. Winning at this stage gives us additional motivation to prepare for the second leg, and our goal is to reach the final with full strength."

Preparing for the Second Leg and Securing Qualification

With this crucial win, Sharjah Women’s Sports Club has placed one foot in the final, but the job is not finished yet. The team faces a decisive second leg against Al Wasl on February 22, 2025, knowing that the opponent will give everything to overturn the result.

The team is fully prepared for the challenge, aiming to secure qualification to the final and continue its pursuit of the championship title.