The victory was very close…

In the first leg of the CEV CUP semi - final Asseco Resovia RZESZOW was defeated by SISLEY TREVISO 2-3 (25-19, 23-25, 25-23, 22-25, 12-15) after very competitive and exciting thriller. The hosts were leading 2-1 but at the end TREVISO showed their class and big international experience.

It was definitely a big Polish – Italian clash as both teams were fighting very strong and nearly 5.000 of passionate supporters in completely packed Podpromie sports hall could admire outstanding volleyball.

The beginning of the match was very impressive for the local team (6-2, 8-5) thanks to some mighty services of Gyorgy Grozer, good efficiency in attack (Grozer, Millar) and successful counter-attacks. Sisley could count on Jiri Kovar (his impressive attacks were very difficult to defend). However, Resovia took the initiative and maintained the lead (16-12). After excellent counter-attack of Grzegorz Kosok the hosts went on 18-13. When Ryan Millar presented impressive block on Jiri Kovar (22-16) it was clear that the hosts would not let their opponents to bounce back.

TREVISO started the second set with bigger aggression and the game was very competitive up to 8-8. In that moment Grzegorz Kosok had very clever and tricky service that hampered the Italians their play in attack (10-8). A few seconds later, Novica Bjelica showed impressive service. Even Matej Cernic was struggling with the reception and Sisley managed to level the score (12-12). After impressive block of Matej Cernic on Alessandro Fei Resovia was leading 16-15. A hard – fought battle continued (18-18). When Gyorgy Grozer smashed the ball out Sisley took 2 point’s lead (18-20). Resovia was able to reduce the gap (22-22, 23-23) but in the end of the set Aleh Akhrem crossed the line in the back-row attack, than Matej Cernic was blocked by Gabriele Marutti (23-25) and TREVISO leveled the outcome (1-1). The efficiency in attack of the local team fell down rapidly (39 % in the second set).
Victorious the end of the second section gave Italians more confidence and at the same time was very disappointing for the local team that started the next set at 0-3 and 5-9. Sisley played brilliantly in defense but the Poles managed to level the score (11-11) and even took the lead (12-11) thanks to impressive play in service (Grozer) and block. The game was very open up to 19-16 when Gabriele Maruotti was blocked and Jiri Kovar made a mistake in reception. However, the reaction of TREVISO team was very quick. When Ryan Millar was blocked by Novica Bjelica (19-19) Ljubo Travica asked for time-out. Then Gyorgy Grozer took the burden on his shoulder. Thanks to his powerful services and attacks Resovia regained the lead (21-19, 23-20). In the thrilling finish (24-23 after block of Bontje on Kosok) Gyorgy Grozer hold the pressure and silvered the last ball for the local team (25-23).

The fourth set was very balanced up to 12-12 when Resovia managed to gain 2 point’s lead (14-12) as Robert Bontje threw the ball out in attack and Michele Baranowicz of Resovia presented very smart service (on libero Alessandro Farina). Italians cut the margin (15-15 after the block on Aleh Akhrem) and few minutes later took the advantage (18-20) thanks to impressive services of Novica Bjelica and Alessandro Fei. When Gabriele Maruotti executed two counter-attacks in a row, TREVISO was leading 20-23. Sisley did not let the hosts to reverse the situation as Gabriele Maruotti finished the last ball at 22-25.

In the tie-break Sisley took the initiative thanks to the stronger service (5-7 for TREVISO after and ace of Robert Bontje). When Gabriele Maruotti executed another impressive counter-attack (7-9) Ljubo Travica asked for time-out. The hosts were fighting ambitiously but Sisley maintained the lead (11-13, 12-14) and celebrated the victory after Gyorgy Grozer’s mistake in attack.
Despite the defeat Poles are looking forward to the return game in Belluno that will be staged this Saturday at. 20.30 as with the golden set formula promotion to the final is still very open.

The top scorer of the game was Gyrogy Grozer of Asseco Resovia RZESZOW (34 points, 4 aces, 3 blocks, 63 % efficiency in attack). However, Gabriele Maruotti of Sisley TREVISO was a real man of the game as he scored 17 points, had amazing efficiency in attack (79 %) and executed the crucial counter-attacks.

Here are some quotes from the coaches and captains after the game:

Tomasz Jozefacki (Asseco Resovia captain):
- It was a very good game, a real battle in which only few details determined the final outcome. It’s a pity that we didn’t take the chance in the end of the second set and in the whole game. It will be very difficult to win in Belluno but we can’t lose our confidence and hope. With some excellent play and a bit of luck, anything can happen.

Samuele Papi (Sisley Treviso captain):
- As we expected, it was a really tough game for us. We were in a difficult situation after the third set which we could have won but at the end we won the fourth one and then the tie-break so we are very happy with this victory. I am satisfied with our performance in Rzeszow and look forward to the return game in Belluno. I hope that we will gain second victory and advance to the final

Ljubo Travica (Asseco Resovia head coach):
- It’s a really big pity for us that we lost this game as we had our chances like at the end of the second set. If we had won this section, the game could have looked differently because it is easier to play when you are winning 2-0. I think that our defeat was a result of some mistakes in the crucial moments, especially in the reception. We gave our opponents about 10 balls in this element and that was our problem. I also regret that in second set my players didn’t stick to the tactics. Anyway, I hope that we are able to win in Belluno and lead to the golden set.

Roberto Piazza (Sisley Treviso head coach):
- Today we had to give our maximum in order to win against such a strong team as Asseco Resovia RZESZOW. They had very good team with experienced players and coach. Of course they have a young setter but he wasn’t responsible for the defeat. I can also say that my experienced players like Fei and Bontje committed too many errors in the second and third set. I think that before the return game in Belluno the competition is still very open and both teams have equal chances to win the promotion. Of course, I hope that the golden set won’t be necessary but I am aware of the fact that anything can happen.

(CAROL)