Modena's Upset: Civitanova Smashed After Eight Years

Italy - Ekhbary News Agency

Modena Stuns Civitanova in Epic Five-Set Thriller

In a captivating opener to the 20th round of the Italian Volleyball League, Valsa Modena achieved a significant milestone by defeating Cucine Lube Civitanova 3-2 on their home turf. This victory wasn't just another win; it marked the end of an eight-year drought for Modena on this challenging court, adding a layer of historical significance to the already dramatic encounter. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions and momentum shifts, with Modena initially taking a commanding two-set lead, only for Civitanova to mount a formidable comeback, forcing a tie-break. Ultimately, Modena held their nerve to secure the vital fifth set, sealing a memorable triumph.

The final score read 2-3 (17-25, 22-25, 25-17, 25-18, 13-15), a testament to the fiercely contested battle that unfolded. Modena, often referred to as "i gialloblù" (the yellow-blues), started with impressive tactical execution and unwavering focus, claiming the first two sets. However, Civitanova, spurred on by their home crowd and under the guidance of coach Medei, displayed remarkable resilience and fighting spirit. They clawed their way back into the game, winning the third and fourth sets convincingly, much to the delight of their supporters, and pushing the match into a decisive fifth set.

The crucial fifth set saw Modena rediscover their early-game intensity. Their players delivered under pressure, executing critical plays to edge out Civitanova 15-13. This hard-fought victory provides a substantial morale boost for Modena, propelling them closer to third place in the league standings, currently held by Trento. For Civitanova, this loss means they remain in sixth place with 35 points, a missed opportunity to solidify their position in the upper echelons of the league table.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Valsa Modena's Vlad Davyskiba, who was instrumental in the victory with a game-high 16 points. His offensive prowess and clutch plays were pivotal. Civitanova's Argentine opposite, Dmitriy Kukartsev, also made a significant impact. Coming off the bench, he provided a much-needed spark, scoring 12 points and demonstrating the depth of the Civitanova squad despite the eventual defeat.

Civitanova opened with Boninfante orchestrating the offense, Nikolov as the opposite hitter, Bottolo and Loeppky on the wings, Gargiulo and Tenorio at middle blocker, and Balaso as libero. Modena countered with Tizi-Oualou and Buchegger in the diagonal, Davyskiba and Porro on the sides, Sanguinetti and Mati in the middle, and Perry as libero. Modena established an early lead, with Sanguinetti scoring the first point and taking an 8-10 advantage. The visitors extended their lead, with Porro adding to the score at 12-16, prompting a timeout from coach Medei. Civitanova attempted to rally, with Nikolov scoring an ace to make it 17-20, but a strong serving run by Tizi-Oualou secured the first set for Modena at 17-25.

The second set began positively for Modena, as Tizi-Oualou delivered two consecutive aces to extend their lead to 3-6. Modena continued to play with grit and determination, increasing their advantage further with another ace from Tizi-Oualou, making it 10-18. Despite Civitanova's efforts to close the gap, Modena maintained their composure to win the set 22-25, with Davyskiba scoring the final point, putting them up 0-2.

Modena refused to back down, with Davyskiba leading the charge, reaching 9-11 and forcing a timeout from Medei. Civitanova responded, fighting back to lead 16-14, prompting a timeout from Modena's coach Giuliani. The home team surged ahead, with Nikolov serving aggressively and Gargiulo adding a quick point for a 19-14 lead. Civitanova continued their comeback, with Loeppky scoring an off-the-block hit for 25-17, narrowing the deficit to 1-2.

Civitanova carried their momentum into the fourth set, taking an early 6-2 lead and forcing another timeout from Giuliani. The set was dominated by Nikolov and his teammates, with the Bulgarian opposite hitting a powerful "pipe" attack for a commanding 19-10 lead. Civitanova closed out the set 25-18 with a Loeppky attack, leveling the match at 2-2 and forcing a decisive tie-break.

The fifth set was a tense, point-for-point affair. However, Modena ultimately prevailed, winning 13-15. This victory not only secures two crucial points for Modena's league standing but also provides a significant psychological boost, ending their eight-year winless streak at Civitanova.

Giovanni Gargiulo of Cucine Lube Civitanova commented, "Despite the final result, I am pleased with what the team managed to do. A month and a half ago, we wouldn't have been capable of coming back from a 0-2 deficit. This tie-break shows we are present, we are fighting, and we are staying close to the match. Of course, in the fifth set, played to 15 points, anything can happen. This comeback must be a starting point; we need to keep pushing. Now, our focus shifts to Wednesday's Champions League match. We've already mathematically secured first place, but the goal is to win to improve our group record and earn a privileged position in the draw for the next round."

Vlad Davyskiba of Valsa Group Modena stated, "In the first two sets, we put great pressure on Lube; then they raised their level. The playoffs are approaching, and we cannot afford mistakes against Grottazzolina. Then it will be great to finish at home against Verona."

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