This time nothing first in the house. The path of Virtus Cagliari towards the series A2 female begins in Veneto in the den of Melsped Paduaopponent of the girls trained by coaches Fabrizio Staico in the last phase of the women’s Serie B championship. Unknown opponent for the Cagliaritan team who come to this match after having lost (but the difference in goals of +2 compared to the first leg favored the team from via Pessagno) the second semi-final against Pontevico Basket. Match one of the final is scheduled for Saturday evening starting at 9pm, the rematch on Sunday 16 June at the PalaRestivo with tap-off at 5pm.
A single point difference between the first leg and the return match was used by Padova to secure the final ticket. The Venetian team faced Puianello Basket in the semi-final. In the first leg match the Emilian team managed to beat Padova by just one point (52-51), in the return match the home court factor was also missed with Puianello surrendering 60-58 to Melsped Padova, with +1 in goal difference, sees the door to the final wide open.
A Virtus who, in view of the match on Saturday evening in Veneto, must put the pieces back in place. Carla Lucchini is certainly recovering after the shoulder problem two weeks ago which however did not prevent her from being in the match in game two against Pontevico, making an important contribution to the team. Rabchuk should (the conditional is a must) also be in the match, leaving limping due to a blow to the ankle in the match. The girl is recovering, determined to be in the group leaving for Padua. Almost all of them skilled and enlisted included Giulia Corda real driving force of Virtus, not only during the season, but above all in the “playoff” matches, capable of scoring, but above all making an important contribution under the boards (playing as a point guard) and in attack where she managed to score in 160 ′ 60 points.
Giulia you are in the final to conquer the A2 series. Maybe you didn’t expect to be able to play for promotion either?
“Let’s say that this is an objective that we have been trying to achieve for years. Maybe this wasn’t the right year, but in the end Virtus deserved it. Above all, the result of a great work carried out by the whole group right from the preparation phase of the championship. We were pumped up and ready to give our all. And this is the result”.
So, can we hope for the feat at this point?
“Certainly my teammates and I are ready to do battle. On Saturday we will enter the field determined to do well: concentrated on getting a result and in any case trying to put our opponents in difficulty. The field will then give the final verdict. However, we will try to do everything to bring Cagliari women’s basketball back to the A2 series.”
Obviously you have studied the opponent. What race will it be?
“We are working to best prepare for the double match against Padova. It will certainly be a physical and high intensity race. Our match plan is based on a good defense, which has been really effective in recent weeks, and on the collaboration of the entire squad.”
Is having a return home a good thing or maybe you would have preferred the opposite?
“We have managed, even in recent weeks, to exploit the field factor. Having the return leg at home, perhaps after having had a good first leg, is certainly a point that can favor us.”
Giulia Corda who, little by little, became the protagonist of the group. In these last matches against Civitanova and Pontevico, not only did you make an important contribution in defence, but you also made yourself heard up front, scoring 60 points. What’s your secret?
“No secrets or magic potions. Certainly the experience gained in recent years and the good relationship I have established with all my teammates have meant that I can be more confident on the pitch and more contributory during the matches played. I feel very safe within the squad, so the secret is the trust of my teammates and, obviously, the staff.”
Ultimately how will it end?
“I don’t make predictions, but right now I can say that both Giulia Corda and the entire Virtus team will put in the effort and all their heart to be able to achieve a great feat”.
The Editorial Staff | Source Press Release
