This Saturday evening, the Eagles traveled to Plessis-Robinson for the 6th day of the Marmara Spike League. Thanks to a strong performance, the team from Nice won 3 sets to 1 (17-25/25-20/25-23/25-15).
First Set
The Eagles from Nice never found their rhythm in this first set. Right from the start, Plessis-Robinson asserted themselves energetically, quickly taking control of the set. Trailing 3-0, then 5-1, Nice struggled to impose themselves. Against a determined team, Nice could not recover. Plessis-Robinson’s attacks multiplied, widening the gap as the points progressed. Nice’s defense seemed overshadowed, allowing their opponents to dominate up to a nine-point lead at 22-13. The final score, 25-17, reflected a one-sided first set. Nice would need to regroup in the second set to turn things around.
Second Set
The second set changed the dynamics for Nice. From the outset, the Eagles appeared more aggressive. At 5-all, they took the lead. Nice’s attacks followed, and the gap widened, reaching 12-7. However, the momentum broke. Plessis-Robinson caught up, tying at 13-13. Nice did not give up, and the momentum resumed. Despite the challenges, they maintained their lead. With determination, they widened the gap to 19-15. This time, Nice did not falter. They closed the set, 25-20.
Third Set
Both teams exchanged blows, neither giving in. But Nice eventually took the lead, going up 10-7. The gap stretched to 17-13, but Plessis-Robinson returned, evening the score at 18-18. Tension mounted, and every point counted. Nice went ahead again, 19-18, but their opponents responded immediately. The score fluctuated to the end, with both teams contesting every point. Finally, Nice gained a first set point, converted it, and won 25-23. The Eagles now led two sets to one.
Fourth Set
After a perfect start to the fourth set, the team from Nice, galvanized, left their opponents no chance. At 4-all, Nice accelerated and took control, widening the gap to a pivotal 10-6. The pressure increased, but the Eagles, unperturbed, continued to score. Nice’s machine did not falter and maintained a reassuring lead: 15-8. The final minutes confirmed their superiority, sealing the match with an emphatic 25-15. This victory revives Nice after the disappointment of the derby loss against Cannes last Tuesday.
With this victory, their 3rd in 6 matches, Nice remains solidly in the top 8 (5th), places qualifying for the finals. Next match for Nice: a home game against Poitiers, next Saturday at 7 PM.
Some Stats
Match duration: 2h01
Total points: Plessis-Robinson = 83 / Nice = 92
Top scorer for Plessis-Robinson: Antti Ronkainen and Pedro Molina Mercado with 11 points
Top scorer for the Nice Volleyball Team: Simon Hirsch with 19 points
% of successful attacks: Plessis-Robinson = 47% / Nice = 50%.
