The Serie A3 Credem Banca playoff semifinal between Belluno Volley and ErmGroup Altotevere San Giustino is in full swing. After the Umbrian team won the first leg 3-2 in front of their home crowd, the Rhinos are called upon to turn the tables, capitalizing on home-field advantage. The return match is scheduled for Friday, May 1st (5:30 PM) at the VHV Arena.
UNDER PRESSURE – Rewinding to last weekend, one of the key players in the comeback from 0-2 was Riccardo Cengia. The twenty-four-year-old middle blocker, in his second season with the team, made a tangible contribution in the final three sets. In short, in the crucial moments: “Our opponents were very good at putting us under pressure right from the start,” he argued, “but we didn’t let the game slip away. On the contrary, we deserved credit for staying focused mentally. And it wasn’t easy at all, nor was it a given.”
PACE AND APPROACH – Looking ahead to the face-off that will open the month of May, Cengia emphasizes the need to maintain our pace and approach: “Even though it’s a playoff semifinal, we have to work during the week as we always have. Then, in the match, we’ll try to cause problems for ErmGroup with our serving and blocking. But what matters most is the ability to hold our nerve when the action gets longer.”
TENSION – The theme of tension becomes a priority in the story of the Thiene-born middle blocker: “Any athlete can’t wait to play a match like this. The important thing is not to let the pressure and the stakes overwhelm you. But, from this point of view, Coach Mastrangelo is very good at keeping the team’s concentration high.” Cengia then broadens his gaze to the entire year: “It’s been a very long season. Getting this far is the result of hard work throughout the championship. And a source of pride. On a personal level, I’m happy to have been ready when I was called upon.”
WHITE AND BLUE PEOPLE – Finally, a word of thanks to the white and blue fans, ready to fill the stands of the VHV Arena with enthusiasm. For the umpteenth time: “The Belluno crowd has always been an extra teammate, even on away games. Just think of Mantua and San Giustino: our fans have never stopped cheering us on and supporting us. I’m sure they’ll help us on Friday too.”
