Prompt redemption for Stefano Lavarini’s Igor Volley, which in Perugia takes success number 22 in the regular season in three sets, thus arithmetically mortgaging second place: Saturday night’s match with Chieri, in combination with the result of the match between Bergamo and Conegliano, will therefore be worth the first position in the standings. The Azzurre will not be “masters” of their own destiny, given that with the same points in the standings (the current situation) and with the same successes obtained, the set coefficient of Conegliano turns out to be better.

Returning to the match in Perugia, the hosts go on the field with Bongaerts in the direction and Diop diagonally, Bauer and Melandri in the center, Havelkova and Guerra in the band and Sirressi free; Novara with Karakurt opposite Hancock, Chirichella and Washington central, Daalderop and Bosetti spikers and Fersino free.

The first break is made by Chirichella in the first half (1-4), Melandri responds in turn (4-5) but Karakurt realizes a great defense by Fersino (4-7, maniout) and shortly after closes a hard-fought exchange diagonally, signing the 6-10. Ace by Hancock (7-12) and Novara runs away with the blocks of Chirichella (8-14) and Washington (10-17) while Perugia stops the game twice (10-18). Washington again in fast (11-21), then two points in a few exchanges by Bosetti for 13-23 before Hancock’s ace that is worth the set ball (13-24): Karakurt closes, on the second attempt, in parallel at the end of a very long exchange (14-25).

Novara starts strong again with Karakurt who alternates powerful (1-4) and delicate (1-5) solutions, while Washington in the first half immediately digs the furrow at 2-7; Guerra tries in parallel (5-8), Bosetti in maniout restores the distance (6-10) while after Cristofani’s timeout comes Hancock’s block for 6-13. Perugia comes back 10-14 taking advantage of a small blue drop, two points in a row by Daalderop for 10-17, with the teams proceeding smoothly and Washington in fast approaches the finish line (15-22). An error in attack by Havelkova closes the set at 17-25 which is worth 0-2.

Cristofani throws Melli and Nwakalor into a sextet, Karakurt makes the first break at the wall (2-4) and Bosetti in maniout already brings the gap to four lengths at 4-8. Hancock signs the third ace (7-11) and Novara keeps its distance, Karakurt stretches with the very narrow diagonal (8-15) and after Perugia’s timeout the Azzurre escape up to 10-19. The Umbrians react (14-19) but it is late: Washington makes 15-22 (first fast, then ace) and shortly after it is captain Chirichella who closes the wall on 17-25.

Cristina Chirichella (central Igor Gorgonzola Novara): “We needed to win this match to react, secure second place and resume a positive path in view of the playoffs, which will be a championship in itself. The next match will also serve us to prepare for the post-season, which we arrive at with the awareness of our means and also of the need to continue to push, to achieve what our goals are”.

Ebrar Karakurt (opposite Igor Gorgonzola Novara): “This match came at a difficult time, after the bad defeat against Scandicci and it was important to give answers immediately on the field. We wanted to show our qualities and we did it to the best of our ability: I am satisfied with the 3-0, it was a great success and for this I congratulate my teammates and the staff.”

Bartoccini Fortinfissi Perugia – Igor Gorgonzola Novara 0-3 (14-25, 17-25, 17-25)
Bartoccini Fortinfissi Perugia: Provaroni, Bongaerts, Sirressi (L), Guiducci, Rumori, Melandri 4, Guerra 8, Melli 1, Havelkova 4, Nwakalor 2, Diop 9, Bauer 3. Coach: Cristofani.
Igor Gorgonzola Novara: Imperiali (L) ne, Herbots ne, Battistoni ne, Fersino (L), Bosetti 8, Chirichella 6, Hancock 5, Bonifacio ne, Washington 10, Costantini ne, D’Odorico, Daalderop 11, Karakurt 17. Coach: Lavarini.
MVP Ebrar Karakurt