Playoff Position for Cisterna
In a dramatic showdown at the Kioene Arena, Cisterna Volley edged out Sonepar Padova in a five-set thriller, clinching a crucial 3-2 victory (25-21, 22-25, 17-25, 25-17, 8-15). The win, propelled by a standout performance from Yuga Tarumi, solidifies Cisterna’s playoff spot with 17 points, maintaining their 8th-place ranking in the SuperLega standings.
- POL W: KS DevelopRes Rzeszów Crowned Polish Champions
- ITA W: Dominant Sweep – Conegliano Clinches 8th Scudetto
- TUR W: VakıfBank Seals Sultanlar Ligi Title with Commanding 3-1 Win Over Fenerbahçe
- SLO M: ACH Volley Clinches 21st National Title
- Transfer rumors – Stephen Boyer Set to Leave PlusLiga for Japan?
Tarumi Shines as Key Player
Entered in the second set, Japanese outside hitter Yuga Tarumi delivered a stellar performance with 13 points and a 53% attack success rate. His dynamic play, including decisive serves and critical blocks, earned him recognition as one of the match’s heroes. Captain Daniele Mazzone added, “Yuga’s energy was a game-changer tonight. It’s a vital win for us after recent struggles.”
Set-by-Set
- First Set: Sonepar Padova started strong, with Orioli and Plak leading the charge to secure a 25-21 win.
- Second Set: Coach Guillermo Falasca’s substitution of Tarumi turned the tide, helping Cisterna dominate with strategic attacks and blocks, ending the set 22-25.
- Third Set: Cisterna tightened their grip with a commanding 17-25 victory, fueled by Tarumi’s offensive precision and Faure’s powerful serves.
- Fourth Set: Padova bounced back, exploiting Cisterna’s defensive lapses to win 25-17, forcing a tie-break.
- Final Set: Cisterna stormed ahead early and never looked back. Tarumi’s consistent pressure at the net and Nedeljkovic’s blocking secured a decisive 8-15 win.
Stats
Cisterna outshone Padova in blocking (19 to 10) and attack efficiency (51% to 45%), while Padova led in aces with 8 compared to Cisterna’s 4. Despite the defeat, Padova’s Orioli stood out as the match’s top scorer with 16 points.
Quotes from the Coaches
“We fought hard, but Cisterna was more clinical in key moments,” said Padova’s coach Jacopo Cuttini. “Every point matters in this league, and we’ll regroup for the next challenge.”
Falasca praised his team’s resilience: “This win shows our potential. If we focus on consistency, we can aim higher.”
