Play Off Scudetto: Savino Del Bene Scandicci Reopens Series, Defeating Milano in Game 3

In a crucial Game 3 of the Play Off Scudetto, Savino Del Bene Volley Scandicci defeated Numia Vero Volley Milano with a clear 3-1 score (25-21, 24-26, 25-22, 25-20). This victory reopens the series, pushing it to a decisive Game 4. The match saw the return of Maja Ognjenovic, and coach Gaspari's team displayed an excellent performance from the outset.

Scandicci dominated the first set, largely due to Caterina Bosetti's attacking efficiency. In the second set, the home team maintained control, leading comfortably at 24-21. However, Numia Vero Volley Milano staged an impressive comeback, overturning the score in the advantages and closing the set 24-26. Despite this setback, Savino Del Bene Volley remained undeterred: in the third set, Ekaterina Antropova took charge with 9 crucial points, putting Scandicci back in the lead (25-22). The fourth and final set, although Milano initially gained an advantage, saw the Tuscan team expertly close the gap and secure a 25-20 victory, sealing the match.

Ekaterina Antropova was the undeniable star of the encounter, earning both the MVP and Top Scorer titles with an impressive 35 points, which included 3 blocks and 3 aces. Other key contributors for Scandicci who reached double digits were Skinner (12), Bosetti (11), and Nwakalor (10). For Milano, Paola Egonu led the offense with 27 points, supported by Piva (15) and Kurtagic (8).

Statistically, Scandicci rediscovered its effectiveness in blocking (10 winning blocks against Milano's 7) and serving (4-2 in aces), in addition to recording a higher attack percentage (48%-43%). Milano, however, distinguished itself with superior reception precision (62%-58%).

This victory extends Scandicci's journey in the Play Off Scudetto, keeping their championship aspirations alive. The series will now continue on Sunday, March 29th, at 8:30 PM at the Allianz Cloud in Milan, where the teams will battle fiercely for a spot in Game 5.

Post-Match Comments

Marco Gaspari (Head Coach, Savino Del Bene Scandicci): "It was fundamental to reopen the series. A huge thank you to Marta Bechis for her extraordinary work in Maja's absence, and applause to Maja Ognjenovic for playing with humility after a month without touching the ball. This team deserves this incredible season. The match was tense, and it's a pity about the second set, but the team's reaction was exceptional. I have a wonderful group that always strives to improve. We didn't celebrate too much; the goal is already Game 4. We need to improve our serving and defense to try and reach Game 5."

Francesca Bosio (Setter, Numia Vero Volley Milano): "It's a shame, I don't think we played with the right aggression today. They imposed their rhythm immediately, and we struggled in all fundamentals. It's disappointing because in the second set we showed great character. In the third and fourth sets, the game remained balanced, but we made too many errors, especially in block-defense. We need to analyze the match and improve for Game 4."

Match Summary

SAVINO DEL BENE SCANDICCI - NUMIA VERO VOLLEY MILANO 3-1 (25-21, 24-26, 25-22, 25-20)

SAVINO DEL BENE SCANDICCI: Ognjenovic 1, Skinner 12, Nwakalor 10, Antropova 35, Bosetti 11, Weitzel 6, Castillo (L). Substitutes: Ruddins, Bechis.

NUMIA VERO VOLLEY MILANO: Bosio 4, Piva 15, Danesi 6, Egonu 27, Pietrini 3, Kurtagic 8, Fersino (L). Substitutes: Lanier 4, Akimova 2, Sartori, Miner.

MVP: Ekaterina Antropova (Savino Del Bene Volley)

Spectators: 2636

Total Duration: 99 minutes (24', 27', 24', 24')