Modena win fourth in a row in the Italian League

Valsa Group Modena continue on a hot streak in the SuperLega Credem Banca as the 12-time national champions secured their fourth-straight win in the Italian League on Monday, when competition resumed in the country following the Christmas weekend.

In their last match of the year, the side from Northern Italy went on the road against Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza and took care of business, coming back home with a solid straight-set (25-22, 25-19, 25-17) victory.

With the result, Modena remain in third place in the SuperLega standings with eight wins in 13 matches and 26 points and have now fully recovered from their rocky season start, which saw them drop four of their first five matches.

Modena only trail reigning Volleyball Club World Champs winners Sir Safety Susa Perugia, who lead the Italian League with 13 wins in as many matches, and defending champions Cucine Lube Civitanova, who have won nine matches so far.

The team coached by the legendary Andrea Giani benefited from the absences of star outside hitters Ricardo Lucarelli and Yoandy Leal on Piacenza’s side to set the tone early and walk away with a comfortable win against their opponents, who rank fifth in the league with seven victories.

“We played really well and did a great job in showing our quality, especially in offence” Giani commented. “Of course, the fact they didn’t have Leal and Lucarelli was an advantage, but we were really comfortable on the court, the team felt at home. We’ll need to remain strong to continue on this path.”

Modena got production from multiple sources offensively as opposite Adis Lagumdzija, with 13 points (11 kills, one block, one ace), and outside hitters Tommaso Rinaldi, with 12 (eight kills, four aces), and Earvin Ngapeth, with ten (eight kills, two aces), all scored in double digits.

For his excellent ball distribution, setter and team captain Bruno Rezende, who also produced a pair of digs, was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the Mach.

On Piacenza’s side, opposite Yuri Romanò, a winner of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship with the Italian national team, was the top scorer with 13 points (12 kills, one ace).

League leaders Perugia extended their undefeated run in the Italian League to 13 matches with their sweep (25-19, 25-17, 25-16) of Emma Villas Aubay Siena at home. Pole outside hitter Kamil Semeniuk led the team with 13 points, all in kills.

Lube also had a smooth victory to remain in second place as the team went on the road and dominated Pallavolo Padova with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-17) win. Outside hitter Ivan Zaytsev left the court with 13 points after he tallied 11 kills, one block and one ace.

Modena will have an opportunity to pass Lube in two weeks, on January 8, when the SuperLega resumes as both teams are set to meet in one of the six matches scheduled for the day.

Quick links:
Lega Pallavolo SuperLega Credem Banca
Lega Pallavolo Femminile Serie A1
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