JUNIOR LEAGUE A2/A3 QUARTER-FINALS RETURN
MO.RE REGGIO EMILIA – NEGRINI CTE ACQUI TERME 3-2 (25/21, 26/24,
After the first leg, the Acqui Terme team fought with determination on the field of the powerful Reggio Emilia, only losing in the tie-break after a high-level match.
In the second leg of the Junior League quarterfinals, the Acqui Terme team emerged with their heads held high against Reggio Emilia, a team led by Anderlini Modena. The first two sets mirrored the first leg: the Terme team fought point for point, even taking the lead in the second set and creating several opportunities to close out the sets in their favor. However, the Emilian team’s greater solidity in the heat of the match allowed the home team to win the sets in a sprint finish.
Trailing 2-0, despite their qualification already being compromised, the The Acqui players, however, didn’t give up, fighting with all their might for every ball and proudly leading the match to the fifth set, which they narrowly lost. Beyond the numerical result, the double-header against a top-class team like Reggio Emilia represents an important step in the team’s growth. The team, composed of players from Serie A, Serie C, and the Under-19 team, showed character, attempting to overcome their structural limitations against an opponent who demonstrated a certain something extra in terms of cohesion and consistency. There’s still some regret at not having reaped the benefits, especially in the final stages of the sets, but the knowledge remains that we played on equal terms against one of the tournament favorites.
Coach Serafini commented: “I saw a team that fought, attempting to overcome its structural limitations, and so these two matches were a great experience for the boys. I’m disappointed with how things went, but objectively, Reggio showed they have something extra. We gave it our all; we didn’t give up in both games, so Anyway, congratulations to the boys.”
Pozzatello 3, Fois 1, Sancio 1, Carrera 28, Sarasino 7, Dotta 30, Volpara 1 (L), Limberti 2, Marangon 4, Oliva. N.e: Protopapa. Coaches: Serafini, Volpara
