Third victory in a row for Rana Verona, but this one has a different flavor because it gives first place in the 5th Place Play Off group, with the overtaking of Piacenza. Coach Stoytchev’s team also beats Cisterna Volley 3 to 0 and finishes in command of the group with 13 points. A success that confirms the good moment of the Scaligeri, who in all the matches of this phase managed to collect the entire or partial spoils. Against Pontini, Amin took the lead, capable of hitting 23 goals, with 3 aces and as many blocks, which earned him the nomination of MVP. Good performance also from the returning captain Mozic, in double figures, while Cortesia scored 3 direct points from nine meters. The next step is the semi-final, scheduled for Monday 22 April at 8.30pm, again at home against Valsa Group Modena.
Coach Stoytchev almost entirely confirms the sextet that took the field in the last two matches, therefore with Spirito in the control room and Amin completing the diagonal. The news in the squad concerns the return from the first minute of captain Mozic alongside Keita, with the Cortesia-Grozdanov pair at the center and D’Amico as libero.
Mozic misses the first attack just wide, but makes up for it immediately afterwards. The hosts try to get ahead with a good series of serves from Spirito, with Amin doing well to score on two dirty balls (6-4). The Iranian opposite maintains the two-point lead with a well-managed hand-out. Mozic does the same on the opposite side and increases the gap to 11-8. Keita makes the most of a free ball, then Faure crosses it into the corner for 14-11. The guests try to stay connected, but Mozic makes a first-time effort on an imprecise reception and sends the score to 19-15. The Scaliger captain puts his team up by four, then Nedeljkovic puts the Pontini back on track, bringing them to within one (21-20). Amin goes wild, first hitting a block and then the set point ace (24-21). Cisterna cancels two, then Keita takes care of sealing the score at 25-23.
