Marmi Lanza Verona – Lube Banca Macerata
Everybody expected a very interesting duel, taking into account the number of the ex-players in both teams. In Verona played: Alen Pajenk (2010-2011), Simone Parodi (2008-2009) and Jiri Kovar (2009-2010), between 2008 and 2009 the head coach of Verona was Alberto Giuliani. In Macerata played Marco Meoni (1996-2003).
From the first whistle of the referee Macerata looked subdued. The guests made too many errors, whereas Verona played well in reception and didn’t make mistakes from the 9th meter. At the end of two first sets Lube tried to even the score, but eventually it was Verona that played more consistently (especially Ter Horst and Gavotto who finish the 2nd set with an ace) and led already 2-0. In the 3rd set Verona kept reception on a good level and scored 2 aces. Macerata left too much space for the hosts’ attacks. It was Stankovic who served 2 strong balls and evened the score 13-13. The game was tied, the 23rd point made by Ter Horst promised a surprising straight-set win for the hosts, but then in the serving area appeared Ivan Zaytsev. He served 3 powerfull balls. The first allowed his team to place an efficient block. The second was an ace. After the third, Verona didn’t attack well, Zaytsev defended and Davidson Lampariello finished the set 26-24. The home fans couldn’t believe it. The 3rd set was decisive. Allowed the team to rebuild the strength and take advantage. The 4th set showed the domination of Macerata that eventually won the tiebreak (9-15) and could celebrate a victory in the whole match.
The best scorer and MVP of the match was Ivan Zaytsev who scored 28 points, inluding 2 aces and 65% in attack. Good duel also for Marko Podrascanin, who made 16 points, including 1 ace, 2 blocks and 81% on the net.
From the other side the best performers were Mauro Gavotto with 23 points (2 aces and 40% in attack) and Thijs Ter Horst with 15 points (2 blocks and 68% on the net).
Overall, the statistics are tied. In block 8-7 for Verona, attack 61% – 51% for Macerata, positive reception 53% – 52% for Macerata and 8-6 in aces for the hosts.
Other results:
Altotevere San Giustino-CMC Ravenna 3-0 (25-12, 25-22, 25-20)
BCC-NEP Castellana Grotte-Itas Diatec Trentino 0-3 (22-25, 18-25, 25-27)
Casa Modena-Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 25-19)
Copra Elior Piacenza-Sir Safety Perugia 3-1 (25-20, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21)
Andreoli Latina-Tonno Callipo Vibo Valentia 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-22)
Standings:
1. Cucine Lube Banca Marche Macerata 21
2. Itas Diatec Trentino 17*
3. Andreoli Latina 16
4. Copra Elior Piacenza 16
5. Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo 15
6. Tonno Callipo Vibo Valentia 14
7. Sir Safety Perugia 10
8. Casa Modena 9*
9. Altotevere San Giustino 8
10. Marmi Lanza Verona 8
11. BCC-NEP Castellana Grotte 4
12. CMC Ravenna 3.
* 1 match less
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