At the end of a high-level match in a packed Palmeira hall, Nice Volleyball wins 3-1 against Poitiers, tying the series at one match each. See you on Saturday evening at the number 1 playoff team’s venue to create an upset and head to Paris for a second consecutive final.
They did not want an early vacation. The door was already open in a sold-out Palmeira hall where a big-match atmosphere prevailed. But Mladen Kasic’s men did everything to push Poitiers to play a deciding match this Saturday. A shaky first set followed by three high-level sets proved that the Azurians could compete with a Ligue A level team.
The first set was notably marked by numerous errors from both sides, with serves going out and attacks landing in the stands. But it’s Poitiers who takes control of the set (10-13 then 12-16). The duo Bersani Da Costa-Falafala are doing everything they can but it’s not enough against Demirovic’s activity (15 points in total, the best on his team). The captain Mitrovic’s lapse is palpable, and Poitiers logically wins the first set (17-25).
“The first set was very complicated. We were tense, too eager to do well. The coach just asked us to let go, which we perfectly executed afterward,” explains Soanรฉ Falafala.
The change of side seems beneficial for the blue and yellow team who raised their game level in reception and serves. The first part of the set is a back-and-forth until the “Bruckert Show.” The young 23-year-old center takes charge and dazzles the match with his class, scoring eight points (12-9 then 15-12 and 22-18). But in money-time, the regular season leader goes on a 5-0 run and ties it at 23-23. That’s when Aleksandar Mitrovic finally makes his mark. An attack and a winning serve give the set to a rejuvenated Nice team (27-25).
Mitrovic and Falafala take charge in a third set dominated from start to finish by Nice (7-4, 9-6, 14-10). Poitiers is overwhelmed and commits multiple serving faults. At 17-13 for NVB, the evening’s opponent gives way, and Thiebault Bruckert takes advantage to make three almost consecutive blocks. He electrifies Palmeira. A final attack by Falafala concludes the set (25-19).
The admonishments from the Poitiers coach appear to have paid off. Poitiers stands up to the Nice team, who are playing a great match and already feel the deciding match within reach. Captain Mitrovic reappears, well supported by Bersani Da Costa and Nenchev. Midway through the set, Nice creates a small gap (14-11), but Poitiers comes back (15-16). The end of the set is tense, with heavy pressure on the referees. The wildcard is Julien Bourdon. The Nice center disrupts Poitiers’ receptions, but it’s Mitrovic who scores the match point (25-22).
“This victory is satisfying. I had a tough season with numerous injuries. I’m finally in good shape and back to my level. It’s so great to play in front of a full arena and such an atmosphere. We’re going to Paris,” says a beaming Thiebault Bruckert, man of the match.
To take the TGV back to Gare de Lyon for a second consecutive year on May 9, Mladen Kasic’s men will need to win in Poitiers’ hall, an achievement already accomplished during the championship.
