«Rebuilding the teams after the pandemic required great effort» he explains Sara Benenti, coordinator of the university’s sports teams. «The boys and girls who were able to play in the last Milanese university championships that were held had graduated, and we were not able to count on that handover which traditionally facilitates us, and helps our students a lot to immediately enter the right mindset. And then the stop due to Covid imposed the halt of the international tournamentswho have always been the unifying factor of our teams, because they create group and motivation”.
Basketball was the first to recover, while in volleyball a three-year project was built. «Today we are reaping the benefits» he continues Sarah Benenti. «But the results of women’s soccer are also excellent. We lost the final, it’s true, but the team is competitive, it has always been at the top of its championship, as happened in women’s basketball». After the experience of last season il boostThis year, volleyball gave it. «In volleyball we started really quietly» admits Benenti. «We started the season with some roles discovered. We never expected these results, especially in the men’s, where we even found ourselves playing with four liberos, a setter and a band. Their flexibility it made the difference, no one was stubborn about their role and il teamwork paid”.
“The news of the beach volleyball victory really boosted us up,” he says. Alessandro Asti, volleyball player, third year of political science and international relations. «We knew we had gained valuable points in the rankingat that point we started to really believe it. Coach Benenti told us that the results of volleyball would be decisive for the victory of the University Cup, and this motivated us even more. We knew that in the final we would meet strong players, but the desire for revenge after the final lost last year.” The secret is simple, explains Alessandro, who will graduate in April: «We are a very cohesive team, and this generates energy positive. It would be nice to be able to train and spend more time together. In the meantime, our games never end when the scoreboard says so, but always in front of an aperitif or a nice pizza.”
The victory of the women’s team was even more overwhelming. “I hoped for it with all my heart, but I still can’t believe the result,” she says. Irene Asnaghia graduate in Economics and Management of Cultural Heritage and Entertainment. «Three years ago, when I arrived, we were really struggling. However, we immediately created a good group. We are friends before teammates. And this has fueled constant growth that fully reflects sporting results. Being part of the Catholic University team helped me first of all to meet new people, to make new friends, to create bonds that will last over time. The final was my last match, and to end it like this was simply crazy”. With a cup to raise to the sky, and the smile of someone who felt at home. Among the cloisters of the Cattolica, as well as in a team, under the net.
Photo credits: Cus Milano.
