Luxembourg, March 19, 2019. The Italian team of Yamamay e-work BUSTO ARSIZIO seized a straight sets victory vs. their Romanian opponents from CSM Volei Alba BLAJ in the first round of the 2019 CEV Volleyball Cup – Women finals. In a matchup that lasted only 66 minutes, the players coached by Marco Mencarelli made an important step towards the trophy. The decisive re-match will take place next Tuesday, March 26 in Palayamamay and the Italians need only two sets to secure their third CEV Cup title (after the ones from 2010 and 2012).
CSM Volei Alba BLAJ (ROU) vs Yamamay e-work BUSTO ARSIZIO (ITA) 0-3 (19-25, 16-25, 14-25)
• Many were the fans that attended the interesting match in Translyvania hall in Sibiu (Romania) as the fixture was considered one of the biggest sports events in the city.
• Despite the warm support of the home crowds, the hosts from CSM Volei Alba BLAJ couldn’t find their rhythm of play, not being able to win a single set.
• The Italian side showed a great and well-organised game as this is their ninth win from nine matches.
• Floortje Meijners became Best Scorer of the match, putting 14 points to her name.
Darko Zakoč, head coach of CSM Volei Alba BLAJ: "We lost this match even before its start. Unfortunately, we didn’t show the right attitude on the court. I expected to see some determination in my players’ actions, but this didn’t happen. You do not play such a final every day, I thought we would show why we got here. Today there was only one team on the court and this was Yamamay. They knew all our weak points and took advantage of them. It’s a pity because we didn’t show our good play as we did in the match vs. Galatasaray.”
Nneka Onyejekwe, captain of CSM Volei Alba BLAJ: "We started this
game in a very bad way. We let our emotions overcome us. We know we could
have done more and we hope, whatever the outcome, that in the next
match we will show what we can. We made a lot of mistakes that the
opponents took advantage of.”
Marco Mencarelli, head coach of Yamamay e-work BUSTO ARSIZIO: "Tonight we were very aggressive from a tactical point of view. We were always ahead and we controlled the match. It was not easy at all as our opponents tried to show good play in defense, but eventually we played the way we wanted to. However, nothing is decided yet in these finals. There will be a re-match in Italy and it will be harder than today. Nevertheless, I think that we are even stronger at home. I would like to say something to the fans this evening - there was a great atmosphere in the sports hall! I would like to extend my thanks to the local supporters for that."
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