After their last-minute victory against Sรจte (3-2), Nice was defeated on Tuesday by the same score in Cambrai, marking their fifth consecutive away loss this season.
It’s like a sense of dรฉjร vu. Except this time, Nice, instead of claiming victory, leaves defeated against Cambrai. After snatching a narrow victory at home (3-2) against Sรจte, the team from Nice found themselves in a similar situation where Cambrai emerged victorious. Nonetheless, the Azurรฉens held their ground against their opponents until the end.
A tight and thrilling match
Despite the players’ eagerness and some interesting plays, neither team managed to gain a significant lead on the scoreboard. Cambrai narrowly won the first set (26-24). However, the team from Nice responded with energy to spare.
In the second set, Nice showed a better performance (3-6; 6-9; 10-13). The Cambrรฉsiens attempted to regain points with swift, powerful volleys. But thanks to well-executed blocks, exemplified by Rodney Ah-Kong, and flawless receptions from William Le Thuc, the visitors started to widen the gap (12-16; 15-20; 19-23). At that point, a slight letdown was felt among the Azurรฉens, who became somewhat disorganized in defense. Cambrai took advantage and leveled the score at 23-23.
Nice wasn’t done yet and answered effectively by winning (25-23). With one set each, everything had to be redone for both competitors, but it was Cambrai who prevailed (25-22) in the third set. The Nice Volleyball team then rallied.
Nice fights until the end
The Eagles indeed left a bit too much space for the Cambrรฉsiens, but they did not give up. The rest of the match became even more balanced during the decisive fourth set (3-3; 6-6; 9-9). But in the middle of the period, Nice took the lead (15-19; 17-20; 20-24). Even though they were not spared from the Cambrai threat, the team from Nice found the necessary resources to tie the sets, two all. We head into overtime!
During the final set, the Cambrai team also showed their resilience (4-2; 9-6; 13-8). The visitors, visibly exhausted from the accumulation of matches since the season resumed, tried everything. They eventually succumbed (15-8). Cambrai secured the victory, but Nice shouldn’t feel ashamed about this defeat.
The team from the Maritime Alps now has their seventh loss in ten matches. Their fifth away loss in as many games. The Eagles will be eager to end this disappointing streak against Nantes/Rezรฉ, whom they will face at home in the next round this Saturday.
The Cambrรฉsiens, now with five consecutive wins, will aim to continue this positive momentum in their next away match against Chaumont.
