Perugia-vs-Ravenna
What should have been a formality for No.1 Perugia, turned to be a big struggling from which regular season winners emerged as the winners. The dream of No.8 Ravenna to upset the hosts went on for two sets. After claiming the first set by a 25-20, only one point separated Ravenna from taking a 2-0 lead (24-22). But, Perugia made a 4-0 run to tie at 1-1 (26-24) mostly thanks to the Serbian opposite Aleksandar Atanasijević, who was left out from the lineup (the Croatian Leo Andrić started the match) and stepped to the court in the finish of the set. The third period was also highly competitive (28-26) while the resistance of Ravenna completely disappeared in the fourth set – 25-19. The U.S. international Aaron Russell was not signed up for the game due to injury.
Atanasijević topped Perugia with 17 points. His compatriot Marko Podraščanin made 5 kill blocks. The Frenchman Nicolas Maréchal scored 25 points (4 aces) for Ravenna.
Game 2 of the best-of-three playoff quarterfinals between these two teams is scheduled for March 18 at Ravenna’s home ground.
To see complete results, stats, and standings, visit our ITA National Championship 2017/2018 / Male / Seniors page.
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