For the 21st match day of Ligue A, Nice Volleyball finally secured a win after more than nine matches without a single victory. A suspenseful victory against Chaumont (3-2).
While Nice’s last victory dates back to December 4, 2020 (a win against Sète 3-2), the losing streak of Nice Volleyball seemed never-ending. A negative spiral that must be stopped at all costs. The poorly performing team at the beginning of this year, the Aiglons, could no longer find their path to victory. Against the 6th in the ranking, the Aiglons finally lifted their heads. A victory that felt good at the end of a spectacular match.
A strong start for the Aiglons
The start of this match is very contested between Nice and Chaumont. Focused and motivated to find victory again, Nice starts strong, quickly taking control of the match (9-7). Very effective attacks prevail, powerful spikes follow one after another in this first set, arms are heated on both sides (15-15). Nice’s captain, Jérôme Clere, leads the way for his teammates by maintaining the pace, knowing that if they want to win, they must keep the pressure on throughout the entire match (18-18). No one wants to give up this first set, and both teams are exchanging blow for blow. Nice has several set points, but Chaumont maintains the offensive pace (26-26). Who will take the first set? It’s a real thriller that the players are offering, another set point for the hosts (33-32). In vain. As usual, Nice falters on a final erratic spike and gifts the first set to Chaumont (36-34).
The start of the second set is a carbon copy of the first. Nice slightly dominates the exchanges and leads the score, thanks in particular to their good defense (7-6). Despite losing the first set, Nice attacks again and tries to respond, which they do brilliantly (11-9). Some mistakes are made by the hosts, but the Aiglons keep things in check; they will need to be solid if they want to catch up (16-13). Nice has what it takes! United throughout this second act, Jérôme Clere’s teammates fight back and equalize at one set each. Everything still remains to be settled for both teams in a tight contest (25-22).
The third set is often decisive in a match, and Nice has understood this well. Uncomplicated in their arena and wanting to leave the negative trend behind, the Aiglons intend to turn the tide. With Salerno on fire, Nice pulls ahead and aims for a second consecutive set (17-14). Strong at the net and on all balls, Nice wins this third set (25-21). Just one more set to secure this long-awaited victory.
Nice had quite a scare
After clinching this crucial third set, Nice falls back into old habits and lets Chaumont push towards a decisive final set. More combative, Chaumont catches up and capitalizes on the hosts’ errors (8-12). Chaumont ensures their opponent cannot catch up (21-25), leading to a decisive tie-break.
This evening, Nice decided otherwise. As defeat haunted the Aiglons, the hosts seized control of the tie-break quickly (8-6). Chaumont returns to the fray, throwing all their weapons into the battle (10-10). With determination, Nice makes the difference with a decisive block (12-10), but at this moment, the momentum does not favor them (12-12). A final victorious ace allows Nice to finally taste the sweetness of success (15-13).
