The Lyonnaises, already assured of their promotion to L1 for the next season, played their worst match of the season in Nice, according to their coach Pierre Bressant, who looked truly frustrated at the end of the match.
Indeed, the numbers on the scoreboard were unequivocal: beaten in rebounds by their rivals (51-35) and with a free throw success rate of 42% compared to 76% for the Nice team, along with a disastrous performance from their only legitimate inside player, the championship leaders could only falter against a local team that was aggressive in defense and determined in offense, with the ability to rely on three significant inside players (Senghor, Mendy, and Constant, all scoring in double figures).
A very good rotation off the bench did the rest, and after a balanced first half (33-28 for Cavigal), the first minutes of the second half (a 21-9 break) allowed Olga Tarasenko’s players to take an advantage that they maintained until the end, keeping a comfortable lead.
Therefore, for this last home match, the quite large crowd got to enjoy a great performance from their team, which bodes well for the playoffs for promotion to L1 that will be held in Lyon during the weekend of May 22.
The Nice team will be there, possibly as the second team of the “regular season” if the two remaining away matches don’t change the standings, with the legitimate ambition to top it off and thus crown their season.
The word “L1” is no longer forbidden, and the Nice management and staff are increasingly thinking about it.
Olga Tarasenko’s comment: “I am very happy with this match and this beautiful and deserved victory. The girls wanted to win and did what was necessary. Our defensive performance stifled the Lyonnaise’s attack, which is usually formidable. A very beautiful evening for our audience.”
Madame Laporte-Darcourt, co-president: “If the sporting results tell us so, the club is prepared to take on the promotion. Evenings like this one make us want it.
Our pipeline of teams, from the youth squads to the main team, is well-structured, and we have more than 500 registered members.
For the future, in case of promotion, we will be able to open a certified Training Center; otherwise, it will be a certified Training Unit.
Increasing the budget will require extra effort from local authorities, but we have assurances in this regard.
For the club’s first year after the merger, this result would be tremendous.”
