Another Huge Night From Wilfredo Leon Keeps Zenit-Kazan Undefeated

After eight matches, Zenit-Kazan and Belogorie have cemented their status as the top two teams of the Russian Super League. Zenit-Kazan won the first match-up in straight sets but neither team has suffered any other loss. They face off again on January 6th.

Player of the Week: Wilfredo Leon

Leon collected 29 points including a 6 aces as Zenit-Kazan took down Yenisei in four sets. Leon has led Zenit-Kazan to a perfect record through nine matches, and with the return of Matt Anderson, Zenit-Kazan is the heavy favorite to win the league championship. 

Match of the Week: Dynamo Moscow 3:0 Ural Mountains (25-22, 25-17, 25-22)

It has been an interesting couple of weeks for Dynamo Moscow but a big sweep of Ural Mountains has propelled them back into the top eight, and they are well-positioned to make a run late in the season. However, they face a tough task next as they face off against Zenit-Kazan.

Current Standings: (Points)

1. Zenit-Kazan (23 points)
2. Belogorie (20 points)
3. Nova (15 points)
4. Kuzbass (13 Points)
5. Ural Mountains (13 points)
6. Torch (13 points)
7. Lokomotiv (13 points)
8. Dynamo Moscow (12 points)
9. Gazprom-Yugra (10 points)
10. Zenit St. Petersburg (10 points)
11. Yenisei (9 points)
12. Dinamo-LO (8 points)
13.  Yaroslavich (5 points)
14. Yugra-Samotlor (3 points)

Results: Round 8

Zenit-Kazan 3:1 Yenisei (25-22, 25-20, 23-25, 26-24)

Lokomotiv 3:1 Kuzbass (23-25, 25-22, 25-16, 33-31)

Dynamo Moscow 3:0 Ural Mountains (25-22, 25-17, 25-22)

Torch 3:0 Yaroslavich (25-19, 25-21, 25-19)

Belogorie 3:0 Gazprom-Yugra (25-20, 25-22, 26-24)

Dinamo-LO 3:0 Yugra-Samotlor (25-20, 27-25, 25-19)

Nova 3:0 Zenit St. Petersburg 25-22, 25-22, 28-26)

Looking Forward: Round 9

Zenit-Kazan and Dynamo Moscow are long time rivals and will meet in round 9’s premier matchup. Zenit-Kazan has established itself as the team to beat once again, compiling a undefeated record through eight matches. Dynamo Moscow has had an up and down year, including losing star middle blocker Kevin Le Roux to injury and parting ways with head coach Yuri Marichev in the recent weeks. However, the team is coming off an impressive sweep of Ural Mountains and is looking to build off that momentum.