The 14th day of the Marmara SpikeLigue saw Nice arriving as slight favorites, with a good home history against Toulouse and a higher probability of winning in the predictions. But as always in volleyball, a solid collective performance and the management of key moments had to make the difference on the court this afternoon.
The Azur team started the year well by beating the Toulousains (3-1). The Niçois hosted Toulouse and faced a team with the same number of points in the standings.
The beginning of the first set where both teams find their footing
Good start to the match by the Toulousains, who were coming off a victory in the previous match against Ajaccio, unlike the NVB, who suffered a bitter defeat at Tours. In a Palmeira hall not quite full at the start of the year, with some still on vacation, Nice set up their game and Shay Liberman distinguished himself both in service and attack, allowing his team to slightly pull ahead 6-4.
The NVB played cleanly, with perfect reception, allowing the locals to organize well. Setter Wessel Keemink could distribute precisely as he pleased, making his attackers shine. Dawid Dulski with his 2m10 height unleashed power, allowing the team to lead 12-9. Mason Briggs stood out in defense, notably with a superb “corse.” For the uninitiated, this is a spectacular defensive maneuver made with the back of the hand to save a ball before it hits the ground 17-12. The Eagles remained clean and solid, winning the first set (25-18).
A closely contested second set sees Nice slow down slightly
The Toulousains hold on well early in the set and often win challenges, maintaining a tight score of 7-7. Under the leadership of Tibo Rippert, the Spacers seemed unwilling to be overtaken again and troubled the Niçois in defense to take a lead 8-11. Nice got back on track and temporarily leveled the score 11-13.
The Toulousains seemed to have found a way to counter Dawid Dulski’s success and the Niçois trailed due to lack of effectiveness at 15-19, reaching the crunch time. Despite more contested exchanges, the Toulousains maintained the upper hand, as a few mistakes allowed the Niçois brief hope, bringing the score to 23-24. Following a general slowdown, Nice let the set slip, albeit narrowly (23-25).
A third set starts under the same auspices
The Toulousains were unleashed once again, but Nice finally regained composure, competing at 4-4. The Eagles fought back, and good blocks as well as winning serves helped the score evolve favorably to 11-7, while Toulouse experienced a dry spell in attack. A series of video challenges broke the rhythm, ultimately not benefiting the Toulousains, with Nice leading 14-10. What elegance from Nice’s setter Keemink, who was everywhere in defense, impressively allowing his partners to lead 19-13. Despite a strong resistance from the Toulousains, Nice increased the score and secured an important set (25-16), already gaining a valuable point.
The Fourth Set
A fine start from Toulouse, tightening up and seemingly ready to commit fewer direct offenses than in the previous set 2-4. The Spacers chained successful actions, but Nice, thanks to its block, equalized 7-7. On the Toulouse side, the entry of Wilson Silva was conclusive, stringing together winning attacks.
Both teams were well aware of the importance of this moment in the match, going blow for blow 10-10. The Toulouse reception was impressive, yet the Eagles kept up the pressure 12-12. The suspense reached its peak as Dawid Dulski complained of shoulder pain, needing conservation. The score remained tied at 18-18. Each team refused to back down, scoring alternately 21-21 when Nice pulled slightly ahead, but nothing was over at 23-21.
The Eagles held strong, contrary to certain bad habits at the end of a match, and after two hours, the locals snatched a hard-fought set and won an important match (25-22).
Brice Donat’s players delivered a serious performance and won in four sets with authority (25-18 / 23-25 / 25-16 / 25-22). Thanks to these three valuable points, Nice Volley-Ball climbed to the 8th place in the standings. The next match is an away game at AS Cannes, Thursday, January 8 at 8 pm.
