07/12/2017 17:39
Spacer’s TOULOUSE take loads of positives from their little sensation
2018 CEV Volleyball Champions League - Men
Toulouse, France, December 7, 2017. France’s rookies Spacer’s TOULOUSE VB caused a little sensation on Wednesday by taking one set from their home match with the Russian invincible ‘armada’, five-time CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men gold medal winners Zenit KAZAN. The French team eventually lost 1-3 but they stood out for their incredible spirit and attitude.
Spacer’s TOULOUSE VB surprised the best team in Europe by winning the opening set 31-29 at the end of a dramatic battle and after cancelling five set points for their opponents.
“We were the outsiders, and therefore we had nothing to lose. We were in a great state of mind and we had fun,” said Barthélémy Chinenyeze, Spacer’s 19-year-old middle blocker.
“My team played very well, and the players were determined to play a great game in front of this fantastic opponent. Zenit KAZAN knew they were stronger, even though they were missing some of their stars [Maxim Mikhailov and Wilfredo Leon]. We remained focussed and we are proud of the game we played despite the loss,” said Spacer’s TOULOUSE VB head coach Stéphane Sapinart. “We have to rely on this feeling for our next match in the national league.”
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