27/03/2019 23:00
Saugella MONZA cap fabulous season with historic #CEVChallengeCupW title
2019 CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup - Women
Monza, Italy, March 27, 2019. Saugella MONZA made history on Wednesday night by claiming the 2019 CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup – Women title to cap their maiden appearance in European competitions in emphatic style! The Italian team took the two sets they needed from their second match with Turkey’s AYDIN BBSK to seize the crown, before they crowned an unforgettable night with a 3-1 home victory. Saugella are only the second Italian team to win the women’s Challenge Cup after Vini Monteschiavo JESI stood on top of the podium a way back in 2009.
• Saugella MONZA delivered an outstanding blocking performance in the opening set with as many as seven stuffs. AYDIN BBSK tried to respond with the attacks by their star player Brayelin Martinez but Edina Begic eventually closed the first set in favour of MONZA (25-20).
• AYDIN BBSK responded swiftly, storming to a massive 11-1 lead in the second set. Rachael Adams and Laura Melandri put up a fight for MONZA but AYDIN BBSK stayed strong and finished the set at 25-17.
• Saugella put much pressure with their serving game in the third set, especially through Micha Hancock. Begic set the pace for MONZA but the Turkish team reacted with Martinez and Desislava Nikolova. Serena Ortolani and eventual MVP Anne Buijs provided further energy for MONZA and, by taking a 2-1 lead in the match Saugella sealed the Challenge Cup title.
• MONZA replaced some of their starting players in the fourth set but the home side continued to perform well and eventually sealed a 3-1 victory to celebrate a historic title for their club.
MVP Anne Buijs of Saugella MONZA awarded by CEV Vice President Lubor Halanda.
Serena Ortolani, outside hitter of Saugella MONZA: “We wanted this trophy so badly and it turned out to be a great night. We never gave up and played always with our heads as well as with our hearts. We made it happen at the end of a journey that was not an easy one. The right approach combined with a team effort allowed us to celebrate a prestigious achievement together with this great crowd. This victory, as much as any other success, will give us a boost of energy and further confidence in our chances as we are about to start the playoffs of our national league.”
Chiara Arcangeli, libero of Saugella MONZA: “I am proud to be a part of this project. I am proud of my team: a group of women who love each other, have fun and have grown so much throughout the season. Now we will focus on the remainder of the season. Winning helps you win even more.”
Miguel Angel Falasca, head coach of Saugella MONZA: “Tonight we gave our best to reach the goal we had set. The key is always in the return match: we played a great first and third set, which was what I expected, while failing a little in the second. The most important thing was winning the cup and we did it.”
Brayelin Martinez, player of AYDIN BBSK: “Tonight MONZA played better than us. We did not lose the title in the first leg but in this game. Unfortunately, we were not able to show our best performance. They pushed a lot with their serve and did well in block and defence too. We are upset but congratulations to Saugella MONZA.”
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