Savino Del Bene Scandicci delivered a commanding comeback performance to defeat Igor Gorgonzola Novara 3-1 (24-26, 25-17, 25-15, 25-21) and clinch a 15-7 Golden Set victory, securing their place in the CEV Champions League quarterfinals.
After narrowly losing the opening set despite leading 21-18, the Tuscan side responded with authority. Scandicci dominated the second and third sets, then overturned an 18-15 deficit in the fourth to force the decisive Golden Set.
In the winner-take-all set, Scandicci took control early and never looked back, sealing qualification in front of 2,028 home fans.
Ekaterina Antropova led all scorers with 26 points. She was supported by Franklin (15), Nwakalor (14, including nine blocks), and Weitzel (14). Ognjenovic was named MVP for her composed playmaking.
Scandicci outperformed Novara statistically, finishing with a 48% attack rate compared to 38%, a 17-7 edge in blocks, and seven aces to Novara’s three.
Tolok scored 20 points for Novara, with Alsmeier adding 14 and Bonifacio 11, but the visitors were unable to sustain their early momentum.
The victory marks Scandicci’s 35th win in 42 matches this season and sends them into the quarterfinals, where they will face Fenerbahçe.