In an electrifying Game 2 of the A1 Series Semifinals at the Pala Igor, Igor Gorgonzola Novara handed Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano their first loss of the season across all competitions, ending a 45-match winning streak dating back to last year’s Scudetto Final Game 3. Despite the odds following a Game 1 defeat, Coach Bernardi’s Novara came out strong, capitalizing on Conegliano’s shaky start to secure a crucial victory.
The unexpected 2-0 lead was a wake-up call for Conegliano, who fought back with stellar performances from Haak (25 points) and Plummer (21 points) to tie the match 2-2. However, a series of errors in the tie-break saw Novara maintain the upper hand, with Markova (26 points) and Szakmary, the day’s heroine with a decisive block, leading Novara to a Game 3 showdown scheduled for Saturday, April 13 at Palaverde.
Meanwhile, Savino Del Bene Scandicci celebrated a historic moment, reaching their first ever Scudetto Final by replicating their previous 3-0 win over Allianz Vero Volley Milano in a packed Allianz Cloud. Despite initial setbacks in the first and third sets, Coach Barbolini’s team displayed remarkable resilience, with Carol’s defensive prowess (7 blocks, 9 total points) and Binto Diop’s crucial aces leading to a decisive victory.
Milano’s bid for a third consecutive final ended in the Semifinals, despite Egonu’s 18 points. Scandicci, buoyed by Antropova’s 18 points and Herbots’ 15, now looks forward to the Scudetto Final Game 1, set for Wednesday, April 17, giving the team a well-deserved rest before their historic appearance.
Serie A1 – PlayOff Semifinals – Game 2
- Igor Gorgonzola Novara vs. Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano 3-2 (25-17, 25-23, 17-25, 14-25, 15-12) – Series 1-1
- Allianz Vero Volley Milano vs. Savino Del Bene Scandicci 0-3 (22-25, 22-25, 21-25) – Series 0-2
