A splendid Civitanova team came back from Turkey with a 3-0 victory over Izmir in the Champions League playoffs 12 first leg. Blengini’s men were terrific in every area of the game. Their serve created havoc in the hosts’ reception (7 aces) and the blocking was solid (12). Captain Miljkovic shined with 60% in attack and 13 points, Podrascanin added 11 at a superb 88%, while Slovenian spiker Cebulj registered four blocks and 12 points. Return game in Italy on March 2.
“A win obtained thanks to a great intensity from the get-go – analysed coach Blengini – We created a lot of problems to our opponents thanks to our serve, especially in the first two sets. This allowed us to keep the ball away from the net and their setter and consequently, our work at the net was made easier. And indeed we did well in the blocking area, but also in dig and on the counter. The boys had a great attitude, they maintained a great intensity from the first to last rally”.
ARKAS IZMIR: Yonet n.e., Rouzier 14, Borges 13, Shoji 3, Gokgoz 12, Capkioglu 6, Koc dnp., Gulmezoglu, Bravo (L), Sikar dnp., Vigrass, Karatas (L), Onayli. Coach. Hoeg
CUCINE LUBE CIVITANOVA: Fei ndnp., Parodi dnp., Juantorena 8, Stankovic 6, Priddy n.e., Christenson 2, Cester dnp., Grebennikov (L), Miljkovic 13, Corvetta dnp., Cebulj 12, Podrascanin 11. Coach. Blengini. SCORE: 20-25 (27′), 21-25 (29′), 19-25 (26′)
