The return of the Nice volleyball players to Palmeira, after two consecutive victories in Rennes and Alรจs under difficult circumstances (serious injury to Risic, season over for the Serbian, and absence of Brueckert), suggested that the series could have continued against Martigues, an opponent whose ranking indicated a more than achievable goal.
However, the absence of captain Mitrovic (also dealing with muscular issues) on the court was the first sign of a difficult evening.
Conclusion, nearly two hours later: Martigues, to everyone’s surprise, took the three points of the match with a score to their credit (3-1).
And Maden Klasic, visibly irritated, had good reason to say, โIt’s not possible to excel during phases of play and then fall into childish mistakes!โ
Justified anger from the Nice coach. Moreover, with an attack percentage of 39%, it’s not easy to hope to win a match.
It was already evident that something wasn’t right on the Nice side during the first set, in which Martigues led for a long time (18-20) before faltering on two blocks from Bersani and a final point thanks to a technical feat by Corre.
One might have thought that the young Nice players (two hopefuls, Falafala and Barthelemy, in the starting six) would gain confidence, but the opposite occurred. A spectacular start to the second set (16-13 then 18-13) before the entry of Bonon and Colomas on the Martigues side, which would change the course of the match. A blackout for the yellow and blue allowed Christophe Charroux’s players to catch up and ultimately win 23-25.
The same story after the break and a repeat: A balanced set, then a slight Nice lead (20-19), and another blackout leading to a score of 23-25 for the hosts.
The last set, once again, followed the same pattern: 16-12 for Bersani and his friends, then 20-19 for the Provenรงals.
It was here that Mitrovic’s absence, both on the court and in terms of leadership, was heavily felt: Without their leader, Nice faltered, conceded six consecutive points, and left the victory and three points to the triumphant and surprised Martigues team.
President Alain Griguier was more philosophical, thinking about the future and the substitute for Risic, whom the club – as confirmed by the president himself – is currently looking for.
We await him eagerly to guide the young, promising, yet still somewhat… tender players!
Photo credit: Pierre Vieuille (www.nicevolleyball.fr)
