01/04/2017 23:21
UYBA edge domestic rivals to remain in contention for third CEV Cup crown
2017 CEV Volleyball Cup - Women
Busto Arsizio, Italy, April 1, 2017. Unet Yamamay BUSTO ARSIZIO came back from two sets down to claim the remake of the all-Italian semi-final with Pomì CASALMAGGIORE and progress to the ‘grand finale’ of the 2017 CEV Volleyball Cup – Women where the ‘Butterflies’ will be playing the winners of the fixture starring Russia’s Dinamo KAZAN and Galatasaray ISTANBUL of Turkey. Unet Yamamay will be trying to secure a third title in the competition after they already finished on top of the podium in 2010 and 2012.
Pomì CASALMAGGIORE could not count on their star setter Carli Lloyd for the rematch with Unet Yamamay and Klara Peric had to cope with the demanding task of replacing the American player. However, the gold medallists from the 2016 CEV Volleyball Champions League were off to a solid start and helped by the many mistakes (11) made by the hosts, CASALMAGGIORE took the first set 25-23. Pomì CASALMAGGIORE stepped up their efforts in the second set and with an outstanding performance by their middle blocker Lauren Gibbemeyer (six points, including four blocks) they doubled their lead in the match (25-23).
The visitors continued their show in the early stages of the third set but Unet Yamamay fought their way back to take it 25-23, thanks to nine points from Brayelin Martinez and three blocks killed by Beatrice Berti, with Valentina Diouf adding another seven points to the count of the ‘Butterflies’. Unet Yamamay showed much power in the fourth set with Diouf (pictured) scoring 11 times – including the final block – and proving instrumental to a 29-27 win that secured the hosts’ qualification for the last stage of the competition. The tiebreak did not have any real significance but Unet Yamamay remained focussed to seal a 3-2 home victory (15-9) and start the celebrations with the 2,600 fans in attendance.
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