This Friday evening, the Eagles traveled to Montpellier for the second day of the Marmara Spike League. Nice Volley-Ball unfortunately lost in a heart-breaking five sets (23-25/25-19/21-25/25-23/17-15).
Five days after their victory in the season opener, Nice Volley-Ball was more eager than ever to continue their momentum this evening against Montpellier. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The Eagles fell in five sets to Montpellier (23-25/25-19/21-25/25-23/17-15).
First set
In an intense first set, Nice managed to set their pace against Montpellier. From the outset, the duel proved particularly tight. Each team answered point for point, with the score advancing to 15-15. However, at this crucial moment, Nice took the lead. Thanks to a series of earned points, the Eagles created a two-point gap, bringing the score to 17-15. Despite Montpellier’s efforts to come back, Nice maintained their lead, even extending it to 19-16. Nonetheless, Montpellier managed to draw level, bringing the score to 19-19. The end of the set was marked by a real showdown. Each team took turns leading by a point until reaching 22-22. But it was at this precise moment that Nice tipped the set in their favor. The Niçois concluded this set with a score of 25-23.
Second set
Nice put up a strong resistance against Montpellier in the second set, despite a blazing start by the Hérault team. Led by a sharp Nicolas Le Goff at the net, Montpellier quickly widened the gap, taking a commanding lead at 6-1. The Niçois, far from being intimidated, stayed within reach, reducing the margin to 10-8 after a good effort. However, Montpellier managed to extend their lead at just the right time. With an impressive point at 13-9, they solidified their advantage. Nice, despite their spirited energy, struggled to contain the opposing force. The gap then increased to 18-12 and then 22-16, leaving little hope for a comeback. Ultimately, the set logically went to Montpellier with a score of 25-19.
Third set
The two teams started the third set as they did the first… From the first exchanges, the Eagles showed their determination. The pace of the game was set, marked by tense rallies. Neither team managed to truly pull ahead. Points followed one after another, with each team responding to the other with the same intensity. However, despite this balance, Nice gradually managed to impose their tempo. At 6-6, the Niçois accelerated. The Eagles took the lead, reaching 10-6 and then 13-8. The Niçois’ advantage was confirmed, even reaching 16-10. Nice controlled the game, but Montpellier hadn’t given up. A wave of determination swept through their ranks. Gradually, they closed the gap, drawing level at 19-17. However, the Eagles didn’t yield. Maintaining their concentration, they held onto their precious lead. They maintained a three-point gap at 22-19. In a final effort, the Niçois sealed the fate of this set and finally won 25-21.
Fourth set
The fourth set started strongly for Montpellier. The Hérault team quickly pulled ahead, leading 6-3 and then 10-5. Despite this comfortable lead, Nice gradually found their way back. The Eagles reduced the gap, coming back to 14-10, and then 19-18, giving their opponents no respite. In the “money time”, Nice took the lead for the first time in the set at 20-19. However, the end of the set proved to be cruel for Nice. Montpellier, spurred on by the stakes, regained the lead at 23-21. Although Nice fought valiantly, the set concluded with a 25-23 in favor of the Montpelliérains. Up next is the fifth set.
Fifth set
Nice got off to a good start in the final set, quickly leading 8-3. However, Montpellier never gave up and came back to level the score at 8-8. The rest of the match presented a real clash of the titans. At 11-10, Montpellier took the advantage for the first time, but Nice responded promptly, regaining the lead at 12-11. In the money time, Montpellier had several match points, but Nice saved them all, equalizing each time. Unfortunately, at 16-15, Montpellier finally concluded, snatching the victory 3 sets to 2.
The next match, hoping to bounce back… join us next Saturday at 7 p.m. at home, against Sète!
