Modena returns to Europe, fifth place and Challenge Cup pass
Valsa Group Modena has qualified for the next Challenge Cup. In game 2 of the playoff final for fifth place, the Emilia-based team won again over Itas Trentino snatching the pass to Europe. Modena opened the challenge with the sextet formed by Tizi-Oualou at setter with Buchegger opposite, Davyskiba and Porro setters, Sanguinetti and Anzani at center and Perry at libero. On the other side, Itas Trentino responds with Sbertoli at director, Gabi Garcia opposite, Lavia and Bristot at the band, Flavio and Torwie at center and Laurenzano at libero.
The start is balanced, with the two teams responding blow by blow: it is Anzani who signs the first significant stretch in the first half for 8-7. Modena then gains confidence and accelerates, finding +2 with Buchegger’s wall on Lavia (15-13). The Austrian opposite player becomes the star of the set, hitting with continuity until 18-14 that forces Mendez to timeout. The hosts remain solid, with Sanguinetti incisive in the middle for 22-18. The finale is Emilian: Davyskiba’s ace and closing on 25-21 for the 1-0.
In the second set, it is Trento that gets off to a better start, with Lavia’s ace making it 7-9. The host lineup ups the pace and with Gabi Garcia finds +4 (13-17), prompting Giuliani to timeout. Modena, however, stays hooked to the match, takes advantage of some opponent errors and goes up to 18-19. The partial remains in balance until the end, but it is the Trentino team that wins in the advantages: 23-25 and 1-1.
The third set opens again with Trento aggressive on serve and immediately ahead 5-7 thanks to Gabi Garcia. Modena promptly reacts, reverses the inertia and goes ahead 10-8. The battle is intense on every exchange, with Davyskiba’s wall on Lavia making it 14-12 and a Mendez timeout. The yellow-blue Emilian continue to push: Porro signs a smart touch for 19-16 and again guest timeout. In the finale, a service error gives the set to Modena: 25-21 and 2-1.
In the fourth set, Giuliani’s team gets off to a strong start: ace by Davyskiba and 6-1 with Mendez immediately forced to stop the game. Modena dominates at bat and also in the middle, with another ace, this time by Buchegger, for 10-3. There is no more game: the hosts control until the end and close with a clear 25-13.
