Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza took a major step toward the CEV Volleyball Cup semifinals with a convincing 3-0 victory (25-17, 25-14, 25-18) over Berlin Recycling Volleys in the first leg of the quarterfinals at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin.
The Italian side needed just 69 minutes to secure the win in front of 3,608 spectators. Berlin briefly kept pace early in the opening set, even taking a narrow 12-11 lead after a block by Jake Hanes. However, Piacenza quickly responded with a decisive run sparked by the serving of Miguel Gutierrez and the blocking presence of Yoris Seddik, pulling away to take the first set 25-17.
The second set was even more one-sided. Piacenza increased the pressure from the serve line through Paolo Porro and Efe Mandiraci, opening a large gap midway through the set and cruising to a comfortable 25-14 win.
The visitors maintained their momentum in the third set, jumping to an early double-digit lead and never allowing Berlin back into the match. Seddik sealed the victory with a block to close the set 25-18.
Mandiraci led all scorers with 13 points, while Gutierrez and Bovolenta added 10 each for Piacenza. Setter Paolo Porro, who finished with four points and guided the Italian attack throughout the match, was named MVP.
For Berlin, Jake Hanes scored 10 points, with Moritz Reichert adding six.
Piacenza also dominated the statistics, finishing with 10 blocks, four aces, and a 60% attack success rate, compared to Berlin’s three blocks, one ace, and 30% efficiency in attack.
The second leg will be played in Piacenza on March 11, where the Italian club needs only two sets to secure a place in the semifinals. Berlin, meanwhile, must win 3-0 or 3-1 to force a deciding Golden Set.
