The Niçois played against Saint-Nazaire this Saturday evening as part of the second day of the championship. The Eagles were defeated in four sets (23-25/29-27/25-18/25-18).
After a successful start to the season with this victory against Toulouse last weekend, the Niçois wanted to continue their momentum. The first away game of the season took place in Saint-Nazaire. On their side, the Nazairiens were defeated with a dry score (0-3) against Chaumont during the first day.
A close and competitive match
In the first set, neither team managed to distance themselves from their opponent. But Nice Volley Ball was the first to break away (21-18). The local team did not give up and even got back on level terms with their opponent. This first set was decided by small details. The Eagles won 23-25 following another fault by Saint-Nazaire.
Éric Montagnon’s men were well organized in their match. Despite a good performance from Lando Currie as libero, Nice conceded an initial mini break in this second set at 8-5. But the Eagles quickly caught up, and this second set resembled the first game closely. The Niçois dominated and led, without managing to distance their opponent. The second set also came down to the wire. Despite three set points for Nice in this second set, it was ultimately Saint-Nazaire that won the set 29-27.
Saint-Nazaire turns the match around
The Eagles missed the chance to widen the gap in the match. Saint-Nazaire got off to the best start in the third set, 7-3. The Eagles were playing catch-up, falling as much as eight points behind. Nice logically succumbed in the third set 25-18.
The Eagles were trailing for the first time in the match. The teammates of Javier Gonzalez did not give up. Despite a good start to the set from the Niçois, the two teams remained neck and neck in the score. But Saint-Nazaire was better on the field and pulled away in the score. Nice was defeated in four sets (23-25/29-27/25-18/25-18). It was the Eagles’ first defeat of the championship season.
The next match is next Saturday for Nice. The Eagles will go to Sète, for a second consecutive away game, as part of the third day of the championship. Kick-off at 7:30 PM.
