Following their success last weekend, Nice Volley Ball traveled to the home of the Marmara Spikeligue leader, Chaumont. A match that appeared one-sided on paper turned out to be closer than expected.
A colossal challenge awaited NVB this Saturday evening on the Chaumont court. Facing the championship leader, the team from Nice had very little chance of achieving a good result. However, the men of Fabrice Chalendar did not disappoint, quite the opposite!
The first set was hard-fought. The Eagles competed well in the opening points. But, as often seen this season, they experienced a dip midway through the set. The gap eventually widened, with Chaumont leading by as many as five points (15-10). NVB turned to their captain Rodney Ah-Kong to close the score gap. With three successful blocks, he enabled the team from the Azure Coast to come within two points. However, this was not enough against the firepower of Victor Almeida Cardoso (4 points), Patrick Gasman (5 points), and Patrik Indra (10 points), who carried their team through this first set (25-22).
The second set was more intense. Chaumont was much less disciplined on serve compared to the match’s beginning. Service faults by CVB52 allowed Nice to stay in touch. Simon Hirsch got the machine going and scored 7 points. The Eagles put up strong resistance, causing their opponents to doubt themselves until the last moments. Chaumont managed to clinch the second set (25-22) and took a considerable advantage.
The Eagles Burn Their Wings
When NVB was down two sets to none, they couldn’t turn the match around. Unfortunately, the Eagles would not prove us wrong tonight. Despite staying sharp in attack, Nice eventually faltered shortly after the middle of the third set, conceding a harsh 6-0 run. The outcome was decided. Chaumont secured victory with a final attack from Brazilian Victor Almeida Cardoso. Final score (25-22/25-22/25-16).
Now they must look towards the next championship day against Narbonne. This match is vital in the fight for survival since both teams are level on points (12), just three points ahead of Saint-Jean-d’Illac. Join us next Saturday at 7 PM at the Giamarchi/Palmeira Hall.
