Wedge. In Saturday’s semi-final Consoli had to deal with a back problem suffered by her captain: she managed to play a good first set, followed however by a partial in which the Delta Group dictated the pace and dug the furrow with better batting and defense. Brescia took the lead in the third period, and then it took a lot of composure and consistency in the fourth, aided by the wall work of the Toucans who built their victory against Porto Viro one piece at a time.
The other match saw Ravenna beat Grottazzolina at the end of a match led by the terrible kids from Bonitta who served and defended with great energy, interpreting the match to the best of their ability and defeating the top of the class in three sets. The final challenge to win the A2 Serie Italian Cup will take place on Sunday at the Palasport in Cuneo (starting at 5.30pm).
Starting six
Brescia relies on Tiberti-Klapwijk on the main diagonalAbrahan-Cominetti at the back, Candeli-Erati in the center with Pesaresi free.
Delta Group responds with Garnica crossed with Barotto; Zamagni and Barone in the center, Tiozzo and Sette in the middle. The libero is Morgese.
The match
The teams respect the change of ball at the start: Abrahan perfects his diagonal (9-7), Candeli scores quickly and then presses Barotto (13-11). The black-fuchsia break (14-16) comes thanks to a block and an attacking error by Brescia, which recovers with Erati’s block, Cominetti’s ace and Abrahan’s mani-out (21-17). Tiberti’s coverage allows Cominetti to reach the set ball, transformed by Abrahan’s lucky ace (25-20).
In the second period Delta Group returns to the service with greater effectiveness, defends and rebuilds better by running away 3-8. Brescia is feeling the pinch and struggling in all departments (10-18). Candeli’s ace and Erati’s block serve to restore some energy 14-23, but the partial is a black-fuchsia monologue (15-25).
Klapwijk restarts service and attack (5 all), but Porto Viro does not give in, thanks to the miracles of Morgese and Sette. Garnica finds the counter-pass from the baseline (10-11), and Abrahan returns the favor (12-11). Brescia is also unlucky, but chases with patience: double block – from the Cuban and Ferri – for the new tie at 18. The point of 21 all is infinite, but it rewards the Toucans. Candeli, millimetric on the line from the serving line, reaches the set point, thwarted by the entry of Pedro, who brings the points back to parity at 24. Erati presses Sette for 27-25 which restores strength.
Pesaresi flies to recover the ball then closed by Cominetti (5-3); Tiberti presses Barotto (9-5), then Porto Viro comes back, but finds Erati in his path who stops Sette (11-8). Miracle of the captain serving Candeli with one hand; Cominetti is lucid and cold: he alternates lobs with thrown balls, he measures his energy and gives balance and breathing space to his players. Erati is still decisive in blocking, but the three-point advantage is reduced and, at 17-16, Zambonardi interrupts. Klapwijk stamps two heavy balls; Ferri still makes his contribution for 21-17 and the captain uses all his energy to push the ball to Abrahan who turns the match (22-18). Consoli wins the final and crowns her season (25-19).
The statements
Coach Zambonardi: “A great choral performance, despite the physical difficulties that complicated the evening. The whole group put in determination and grit to give Brescia its second Cup final. Above all, a special mention goes to Tiberti, who played despite back fatigue, and Stefano Ferri, who was decisive both in Siena and here with his block entry.”
Simone Tiberti: “We’re in the final and it was tough: we played in spurts and we didn’t play our best game, but that’s okay. There was tension and there was also a strong opponent, but we are very happy. We came here to win and on Sunday we will attempt the feat.”
Nicola Candeli: “Great match, tough and won despite a second set in which they put us under pressure. Well done to us for restarting and closing with two well done sets. Now let’s rest, let’s think about giving our best and expressing our game at our best in the final.”
Consuls Sferc Centrale – Delta Group 3-1 (25-20; 15-25; 27-25; 25-19)
Brescia: Erati 11, Braghini L ne, Sarzi Sartori, Tiberti 1, Ferri 1, Cominetti 11, Franzoni, Ghirardi ne, Candeli 11, Klapwijk 12, Mijatovic ne, Abrahan 15, Pesaresi (L). All. Zambonardi and Iervolino.
Porto Viro: Zamagni 3, Tiozzo 14, Pedro 1, Sette 16, Barone 10, Barotto 25, Garnica 3, Bellei, Morgese (L). Ne: Lamprecht (L), Charalampidis, Sperandio, Chiloiro Zorzine, Eccher. Coaches: Morato and Zambonin.
Referees: Angelo Santoro and Cesare Armandola.
Note. Blocks: Brescia 12, Porto Viro 9. Wrong aces/serves: Brescia 5/13; Porto Viro 3/20. Attack: Brescia 42%, Porto Viro 50%. Reception: Brescia 53% (31%), Porto Viro 50% (19%). Duration: 24′, 21′, 34′ 30′. Total: 1h49.
