Five days after being outclassed by Tourcoing, Nice was hoping to take its revenge. Unfortunately, they could not reverse the trend and were defeated again 3-0 (25-21; 25-21; 25-20).
Unlike the match five days ago, Nice had a chance against Tourcoing this time. However, the Tourcoing team was able to show more resilience during crucial moments. Against a top-ranked team, Ratko Peris’s players managed to be threatening.
Tourcoing More Sharpened
The start of the match bode well for Nice Volleyball. Extremely motivated and focused, they were able to take advantage of their opponents’ numerous service errors. Leading for half of the first set, the Nice team eventually faltered. Tourcoing became more precise offensively, especially with Lucas Lilembo and Daryl Bultor sealing the points. As soon as the visitors caught up in the score, the first signs of frustration appeared among the locals. The northern team continued to widen the gap, and despite an attempt at a comeback by Jérôme Clere, Nice conceded the set 25-21 after a final block by Lilembo.
Not disheartened despite losing the first set, Nice Volleyball tried to push forward. The mindset remained the same as at the start of the match. However, their opponents were more confident, but the gap remained minimal. Jérôme Clere encouraged his teammates to stay within reach of Tourcoing. Some tensions arose, with the locals contesting certain referee decisions. Hope was present, with both teams displaying a similar level of play, and neither could take the upper hand (19-19). However, once again, Nice would falter in the final moments. The visitors knew how to raise their level of play at the end of the set. NVB lost 25-21 and were now trailing 2-0.
Nice Falters
The last set was one-sided. The Southerners were rattled. Considering the nature of this final set, a comeback was impossible. On the other hand, Tourcoing played with confidence and ease, while Nice tensed up and struggled. The visitors surged quickly towards victory (9-5; 12-7; 16-11). Completely outclassed, it was difficult to catch up. Ratko Peris’s players eventually lost (25-20) in this final set. Nice will try to lift their heads this weekend in Toulouse and currently sits in 12th place in the standings.
