Second Indesit Champions’ League trophy for Colussi PERUGIA
Within a loud arena, featuring even a small orchestra playing traditional Russian folk music, the final match of this year’s Champions’ League gets off with a lot of expectations from both sides. The powerful and physically amazing team from ODINTSOVO will try to keep under control the fast volleyball proposed by PERUGIA, which aims at doubling up the victory gained two years ago in that elite competition. A balanced start is followed by a series of successful attacks for PERUGIA, which succeeds in finding a way through the tallest block of this tournament (8:5) also thanks to a couple of unforced errors by Shashkova and Fateeva.
After the first technical timeout operations move on with an astonishing attack from the second row for German born Hanka Pachale and Del Core continues in that same way as the Russians struggle a bit in their warming up and apparently are not as effective as usual (11:8). Even superstar Shashkova is blocked and Gioli spreads the gap with her well known fast. The reception of the Russians is not that great, nor is Safronova with her second row attacks and PERUGIA speeds up to a 16:10 lead. Too many unforced errors for the girls led by Mr. Vadim Pankov, who – even though most of them are very experienced even at international level – are entering their first final four ever with the only exception of Shashkova. Pachale closes an exciting rally in favor of PERUGIA and Gioli rules in spite of an intimidating Russian block (20:13). Two more spikes for captain Francia and PERUGIA cruises to the final of the set, while Russian setter Zhukova is suffering the effects of a disappointing reception. A terrific block from Gioli and it is 1-0 for the Italians, who are much more effective and are also enjoying a continuous series of unusual unforced errors for ODINTSOVO.
The second set starts with an exhibition of devastating attacks for both captains, namely Francia and Shashkova. Tie-to-tie as Gioli provides the audience with a couple of fast attacks and a delighting block; the Russians are getting into the match, but still their supporters are longing for a much more consistent play. Even though errors are equally distributed, it seems that the reception of ODINTSOVO is today weaker than ever, while the Italians are getting really excited and self-confident (10:7). However, the Russians recover until tying the score (14:14), but they are too inconsistent even with their serves. While even Shashkova sometimes follows up the negative trends of her teammates, PERUGIA replies with great blocks and cruises to a reassuring margin (22:18). Mr. Pankov appeals to the substitutes for reversing the standings, but PERUGIA keeps on a great reception and a stellar Gioli secures the 2:0. Quite an unexpected result, especially as ODINTSOVO entered the final match with very good forecasts after a displaying of impressive strength in yesterday’s semifinal against MURCIA.
The Russians are not going to give it up that easily and they “depress” the accelerator at the very beginning of the third set (4:2). Supported by their loud fans – who are trying to overload the music provided by the Russian orchestra with their drums and choirs – the Italians tie the score. ODINTSOVO bounces back as Safronova and Fateeva finally get into the match and the Russians lead 16:13 as the second technical timeout is called. The Italians seem to be a bit fatigued as they have been pushing quite a lot from the moment the match got off and start committing their first unforced errors. Coach Sbano feels it is time to reorganize ideas and plans in order to avoid a further extension of the game to a risky fourth set and possibly an even more dangerous tie-break. Shashkova leads the operations and Merkulova secures the set for ODINTSOVO, whose reception improved a lot especially in comparison to the previous periods.
After the rest, PERUGIA starts confidently (9:2) and Gioli – MVP of this tournament – rules again even in front of such tall opponents. Mr. Pankov returns to recall a few substitutes in order to keep ODINTSOVO’s hopes alive but this is only a buffer solution as Pachale and Gioli keep on rolling (16:10). In spite of the loud support of a bunch of supporters who arrived from their hometown situated in the surroundings of Moscow, the Russians do not manage to seize the day, PERUGIA secures a second Indesit Champions’ League trophy after a delighting performance and closing with an ace.
Emanuele Sbano, coach of Colussi PERUGIA, stated: "It is amazing, it was quite a diifficult week with the Italian Cup and also because of the long match we had yesterday. We were in a very tough group during the main round with MURCIA and ISTANBUL and had intense matches against TENERIFE and JESI during the playoff rounds. That anyway helped us a lot in order to get used to such a high level of volleyball".
Mirka Francia, the winners' captain, added: "I am absolutely happy for that win and second Indesit Champions' League title. We were a bit tired after yesterday's semifinal but still very focused on our goal. The Russians didn't play as well as in yesterday's duel against MURCIA. We perhaps benefited of the high level available in the Italian National League, where we got used to play very fast. It is just great that we accomplished that objective".
Simona Gioli, MVP of this tournament, finally declared: "Today we reached a very important target thanks to a great team spirit. We worked really hard for granting that and therefore we are now even more satisfied having reached our purpose. We definitely are an amazing squad".
Best players awards
MVP: Simona Gioli (Colussi PERUGIA)
Best scorer: Katarzyna Skowronska-Dolata (Asystel NOVARA)
Best setter: Helia Souza (Grupo 2002 MURCIA)
Best spiker: Mirka Francia (Colussi PERUGIA)
Best libero: Paola Cardullo (Asystel NOVARA)
Best server: Zhanna Pronicheva (Zarechie ODINTSOVO)
Best receiver: Natasa Osmokrovic (Asystel NOVARA)
Best blocker: Marisa Fernandez (Grupo 2002 MURCIA)
|