This Saturday evening, the Eagles hosted Plessis-Robinson as part of the 9th day of the Marmara Spike League. Despite a good performance, the Niçois were defeated 3 sets to 1 (18-25/28-30/27-25/19-25).
Nice Volley Ball was playing another home game, at the Gianmarchi hall, welcoming Plessis-Robinson. The Niçois wanted to bounce back, after the defeat against Montpellier (0-3) in front of their audience last Saturday. The Eagles are stuck in 12th place in the standings. The Owls, their opponent of the day, are in 8th place. The Yellows and Blacks have a four-point lead over Nice Volley Ball.
The Beginning of the Match in Favor of Plessis-Robinson
Thanks to several winning blocks, the players of Plessis-Robinson took the lead at the start of this meeting. But the successful attacks of Luis Paolinetti kept the Eagles within close range. The Owls maintained their lead, with up to seven more points than the Niçois. Despite saving two set points, Nice Volley Ball conceded the first set (18-25).
The players of Fabrice Chalendar started the second set better, keeping pace with their opponent. The duo Luis Paolinetti–Samuele Tuia was present in attack. This second set was highly contested, with both teams trading blows. The tension was palpable at the end of this set. The set was played in the final points. The Eagles saved five set points. Unfortunately, Plessis eventually won this endless second set (28-30). The outcome was cruel for the Niçois.
The Eagles Not Rewarded
Despite the score, the Nice Volley Ball doesn’t have to throw everything away. Teammates of Javier Gonzalez found themselves up against the wall in this match, trailing two sets to none. Once again, the two teams were neck and neck in terms of score. The end of this set also became unbearable. The Eagles finally managed to secure set points. On the second one, a block from Lazar Koprivica allowed Nice to win the set (27-25). 2 sets to 1 for Plessis.
The Eagles came back into the match. Like the previous sets, neither team managed to create a gap in the score. Plessis managed to open a five-point lead in the middle of the set. The Owls rolled out in this end of the match. Plessis won three sets to one (18-25/28-30/27-25/19-25). Despite a good match, the Eagles suffer their second consecutive home defeat.
The next match is already on Tuesday, December 5th for the Eagles. Nice Volley Ball will go to challenge Saint-Jean d’Illac, the second-to-last in the championship, as part of the 10th day of the Marmara Spike League.
