Dragons fans will have to wait until the final league match to see if they’ll secure direct relegation or head to the playoffs. In their match against Avimecc Modica, Conad Pala Terni Volley Academy earned their fourth consecutive tie-break point since the Camardese era, proving once again that they can compete even against the big teams. With Picardo missing due to injury, the Dragons were encouraged by a Pala Terni crowd of approximately 2,000, making their final home game a celebration of sport, further enhanced by the presence of soccer star Nelson Dida, guest of honor on the Rossoverde bench.
The hosts took home an unexpected first set, displaying character and, at times, convincing play, allowing the Dragons to recover three set points from the visitors and close out the game 26-24. But Modica was undaunted and, in the second set, put the record straight with a lightning-fast 25-16 lead that lasted just a few minutes. Hristov (18 points) seemed to have regained his former form, while Martinez seemed subdued compared to his monumental performances in recent matches.
In the third set, the Dragons regained a good rhythm, with Ciupa consistently intelligent and incisive on heavy balls. Caporossi lacked a bit of attack, but Camardese’s team remained glued to the set and took it home. In the fourth set, the Dragons returned determined to not give up and fought for every point, displaying a defense that was at times invulnerable. It was on this that Modica built the break that took them to the fifth set.
The match was enjoyable and compelling at every point, and in the tiebreak, Modica stepped up to the plate. The Dragons arrived a bit exhausted and suffered from fatigue and inexperience. Modica’s ease was typical of a great team, and the visitors pulled away at the decisive moment of the set, closing the score at 10-15.
