27/01/2016 23:04
CAI TERUEL storm back from away loss to seize golden set and Challenge Round spot
2016 CEV Volleyball Cup - Men
Teruel, Spain, January 27, 2016. The second leg of the 2016 CEV Volleyball Cup – Men quarter-finals between CAI TERUEL and AS CANNES at Los Planos sports pavilion turned into an unforgettable Volleyball night for 2,000 fans in attendance as the hosts fought back from their 3-1 loss last week in France to claim the re-match by the same score (25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 25-19) and after that also the golden set that followed (15-10) to secure a spot in the Challenge Round.
Equality reigned for most of the opening set, as neither team managed to break away, and the second technical time-out was called with AS CANNES leading the way 16-15. It was at this moment that the French side edged ahead by a couple of points, but CAI TERUEL rapidly fought back, and with a positive series they turned the tide to finish the set to their advantage (25-22).
In the second set, the hosts kept a two to three-point advantage from the beginning, yet AS CANNES did not surrender, managing to draw even at 9-all. After that the teams exchanged the lead back and forth, and such equality meant that a decisive moment would have to follow at some point. It was after scoring their 21st point when CAI TERUEL crept ahead with a small advantage which would indeed prove to be decisive (25-23).
The third set witnessed some quality play, both sides knowing exactly what was at stake and leaving their heart on the court. After the first technical time-out, the French edged ahead by three up to four points, but CAI TERUEL were able to close in before the second technical time-out: 14-14. Nevertheless, it was the French side that this time showed nerves of steel and eventually won the set 25-20.
The tension was running high in the fourth set, CAI TERUEL could not afford any error and AS CANNES, on the other hand, did not want to have to play the ‘lottery’ of the golden set. The French managed to take a 12-9 lead, meaning that things were looking their way. Nevertheless, CAI put up a stoic fight, and cheered on by their fans they managed to draw level, with the second technical break following then at 16-15 for the Spaniards. It was the time for the hosts to rule and they did not let it slip through their fingers finishing the fourth set at 25-19.
After the 3-1 win by the Spaniards, the decisive moment arrived, the moment of truth. CAI started the golden set with an astounding run, quickly making it 7-1 in their favour. Yet AS CANNES made a comeback, closing the gap between the two sides to just one-two points, with TERUEL leading 8-6 at the side switch. Both teams looked nervous, but it was CAI TERUEL who were able to keep their calm and steal the golden set (15-10) and with it also a spot in the Challenge Round.
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