Strong in service, effective in attack, and supported by a dazzling Dawid Dulski, the Niçois dominated Toulouse (3-1) at the André Brouat Sports Palace. A victory built on collective consistency and the ability to accelerate in key moments.
In Toulouse, the Nice Volleyball Team delivered a convincing performance by winning 3 sets to 1 (25-23, 25-14, 22-25, 25-15). While the Toulousains managed to claim the third set, the match was mostly dominated by Brice Donat’s men, who were recovering from a difficult start to the season in the Marmara SpikeLigue and a home defeat against Tourcoing.
From the first set, NVB set the tone. Although Toulouse resisted until the last points (23-25), the offensive power of Dawid Dulski made the difference. The Polish attacker finished the match with 24 points, including 20 in attacks with a 56% success rate, and three decisive blocks. His consistency allowed the Eagles to maintain control during tense moments, especially when Toulouse narrowed the gap.
The second set was a display of strength. The Niçois quickly widened the lead to 16-8, then 21-11, easily taking the set (25-14). During this phase, the quality of service was crucial: four aces, few direct errors, and a pressured Toulousain reception. Dutch setter Wessel Keemink perfectly distributed the play, alternating between the wings and the center, preventing the opposing block from settling.
Toulouse did not say their last word
However, Toulouse found the resources to react in the third set. Led by Tobias De Paula (13 points, 35% attacking efficiency) and a solid receiver Timo Beriot (75% positive), the hosts took advantage of a Niçois slack to win the set (25-22). But this bright spell was short-lived.
In the fourth set, Nice regained control of the match with authority. Thanks to a series of powerful services from Lohan Nack Minyem and the regained efficiency of Ryley Barnes (10 points, 43%), the visitors quickly widened the gap (16-11). The set ended decisively (25-15), symbolizing Niçois superiority.
While Dawid Dulski was the main architect of the victory, he wasn’t alone. Canadian receiver-attacker Ryley Barnes contributed ten points, while ensuring a stable reception (40% positives). Merrick McHenry also weighed in at the center with seven points, including two blocks, and a 44% offensive efficiency rate. Finally, young libero Mason Briggs shone in reception, with an impressive 69% of positive balls, securing the initial pass and allowing Keemink to vary his choices.
The other satisfaction for Nice came from Shay Mayo Liberman. With 11 points and a 50% success rate, he was a valuable alternative during transition phases. His ability to finish long rallies often troubled Toulouse, who never found a solution.
Collectively, Nice displayed solid statistics: 49 winning attacks with a 52% success rate, 11 blocks, and an overall stable reception (50% positives). These figures reflect a balanced team, capable of leaning on multiple offensive weapons and maintaining constant service pressure.
The Eagles capitalize on opponent’s mistakes
On the other hand, Toulouse suffered from a lack of consistency. Tobias De Paula was the main point provider (13), but his effectiveness remained limited. Tibo Rippert and Pierre Derouillon alternated between good and less good performances, while the team collectively showed only 35% offensive success. The 23 service faults also weighed heavily, offering too many free points to the opponent.
With this success, Nice sends a clear message: the team has the means to aim for top spots this season, just like last year. The depth of the bench, the quality of distribution, and the offensive power make them a formidable collective. If Dulski continues at this pace and reception remains as strong, the Niçois could well be considered serious outsiders in the 2025-2026 Marmara SpikeLigue edition.
