Here is the translation of the text from French to English:
18th day of the Marmara Spike League, the Nice Volley-Ball hosts Poitiers this Saturday 31/01. In case of victory, they could reach the top of the standings, especially since the Aiglons are in good form after their away win against Plessis-Robinson. Indeed, the two teams are respectively 6th and 4th in the Pro A league. During their last duel in January 2024, Poitiers won 3-0 at home. Nice will want to take their revenge at home, in front of their audience, to erase this memory and show their progress.
The match starts with a duel of blocks from both sides, and in this contest, the Niçois stand out 5-2. The Eagles persist and find the gap through their attackers who often hit the mark 8-3. The pattern on the local side is once again well established, serving high Dawid Dulski who remains untouchable. Even Shay Liberman, usually inconsistent, stands out 12-8. Nice is indefatigable in all sectors, notably delivering superb slammed serves 21-14. The Poitevins take a timeout to try to break the rhythm, but nothing changes; the Azuréens win the first set (25-18).
The second set begins like the first, although Poitiers tries to resist, Shay Liberman continues to perform both in attack and service 9-4, and a beautiful battle seems to unfold. But the long rallies and success are also on Nice’s side, and they pull away 15-10. At the moment, they are truly effective and serene, it’s impressive. Colin Castelnau also takes risks and succeeds in this good dynamic, and his attacks are effective. The combinations are perfect, what a sense of power in this Nice team, the score evolves to 23-15. The outcome is inexorable, 2nd set for Nice with still a comfortable margin (25-16).
Poitiers goes all out
The start of this set resumes like the previous one, the prideful reaction from the Poitevins is taking place, and they all step up a gear, whereas the Niçois hold firm and are still slightly ahead 8-7. The entire Nice team performs, it’s now Merrick McHenri’s turn to trouble the visitors by landing aces. The communication between Nice players seems smooth, well-oiled at every level 13-8. Poitiers tries to rebel, but still no panic on the other side 18-16. Money time approaches, and the rallies still favor the locals 22-18; Nice is unstoppable tonight and logically obtains a match point concluded with a victory (25-22); all players were perfect.
Victory in three sets for Nice (25-18, 25-16, 25-22). If this level of play is maintained, you’ll have to count on Nice this year for the top of the standings. The top scorer of the evening for Nice is Shay Liberman once again, voted MVP of the match as in the previous game, with a huge ovation from the crowd.
For their next match, the Nice Volley-Ball travels to Montpellier (co-leader) on Tuesday, February 3 at 8 p.m.
