On this antepenultimate day of the Marmara Spike League, Nice Volleyball faced Narbonne, second to last. This match resulted in a victory for the team from Nice (3-2).
This Saturday evening, Nice Volleyball traveled to Narbonne for an important match to move up the rankings and secure an easier opponent. The team from Nice was keen to get their revenge after their home defeat in the first leg, where they lost 3 sets to 0 (23-25, 21-25, 19-25). Facing a struggling Narbonne team, with only three victories in the last 10 matches in the league, the Eagles needed to seize this opportunity to consolidate their position in the standings. And they did just that in a match fully controlled by the Eagles.
First Set
Right from the first set, Nice displayed eagerness and entered the match well. The competition was very tight, which could be surprising given the difference in levels, on paper, between the two teams. However, Narbonne, pushed by their crowd, surprised the team from Nice and managed to make the difference in the final exchanges. The home team won (25-22) in a closely contested duel, thereby taking the lead despite a strong resistance from the Eagles.
Second Set
The second set leaned more towards a demonstration. Narbonne struck hard right from the start and quickly expanded the gap (11-8 then 16-12), leaving no chance for a overwhelmed team from Nice. The home team controlled the end of the match but faltered momentarily as they reached the conclusion. 24-22, 24-24, 25-24, 25-25, 26-25, 26-26, 27-26, 27-27. In total, the Eagles saved five match points. Eventually, Narbonne faltered and Nice claimed this set with perseverance after their third set point, (31-29).
Third Set
Repeat scenario in this third set. As both teams battled up to six points each, Narbonne picked up momentum, scoring point after point. They dominated Nice in gameplay. 15-11, 19-13. A slight rally by the Eagles brought them back within two points (21-19). This time, Narbonne did not falter and won the 3rd set: 25-22.
Fourth Set
This fourth set perfectly reflects the match: a tight and contentious duel between the two teams. With their backs against the wall, Nice gave nothing away and hung on point by point. More aggressive in attack and solid in defense, the team from Nice managed to make the difference to win (25-19), leading to a suspenseful fifth set.
Fifth Set
With experience, Nice clearly dominated this tie-break, (15-11). A Nice comeback, a victory that allows them to approach Tourcoing, ranked 5th. A fourth consecutive victory in the Championship for Nice.
Join us next Saturday, at home, at 7 PM, against Chaumont (ranked 2nd).
The Match Stats
Match Duration: 2h23
Total Points: Narbonne 110-115 Nice
Top Scorer for Nice: Casey Schouten with 18 points
Top Scorer for Narbonne: Simon Hirsch with 29 points.
