After two challenging and stimulating years, Santiago Orduna’s experience in the setter department at Cucine Lube Civitanova has come to an end. The Argentine playmaker, a naturalized Italian, joined the red and whites in the summer of 2024 after coming close to landing in the Marche region several times in his career. Hired to support the young talents on the roster, the SuperLega veteran has been much more than a mentor. In addition to bringing his charisma, “Santi” has unraveled thorny game situations by combining a mix of verve and unbreakable physicality with the quality and experience of a veteran. His contribution also led to the victory of the 2024/25 Del Monte® Coppa Italia. Reaching the Challenge Cup Final and two Scudetto Finals in the two years under his belt is testament to the value of the work done and the success of the journey, which also included two consecutive qualifications for the CEV Champions League.
A farewell from Santiago Orduna:
“Wearing the Lube jersey for two years was an honor. Just as at this stage of my career, it was a huge pleasure to share the experience with my teammates and try to take the team as high as possible in Italy and Europe. These were two intense seasons, lived with a positive spirit. I tried to make a contribution both on and off the pitch. I leave with the disappointment of not having completed my work in the league, given the two Scudetto finals we lost, but winning the Coppa Italia last year was magical. I thank everyone, with a few special mentions. The red and white medical director, Mariano Avio, has always been close to me. The human and professional support of trainer Max Merazzi and physiotherapist Marco Frontaloni has also been fundamental to the team. I’ve toured many clubs, and it’s not easy to find staff so attentive to interpersonal relationships; I consider it an added value. I certainly can’t leave out the red and white fans, who made me feel at home from day one and continue to show me their warmth. Now that I’m leaving. The Predators have always been there, and I won’t forget them, even if we meet again on the other side of the net. Thank you, Lube!”
A.S. Volley Lube thanks the athlete for sharing his experience and creativity with the team. We wish Santiago the best of luck in continuing to fight with the same energy and leadership.
