Bulgarian volleyball players Boris Nachev and Vladimir Garkov made an important contribution to Gioia del Colle's first victory of the new season in the Italian Serie A2.
In a match from the third round, Francesco De Nora Caporuso's team won at home against Belluno with 3:1 (25:18, 25:20, 27:29, 25:22) and earned their first three points in the championship.
Boris Nachev finished with 12 points, of which 8 were from attack, 2 blocks, and 2 aces. The Bulgarian middle blocker was among the most effective players for the hosts at the net, also distinguishing himself with several key interventions in crucial moments.
Vladimir Garkov added 13 points - 12 from attack and 1 block. The Bulgarian receiver started as a starter in all four sets and played an important role in the success, especially in the final part of the match.
Gioia del Colle started confidently and won the first two sets with 25:18 and 25:20. In the third, the hosts led 6:1, but allowed their opponent to get back into the game. At 24:23, they had their first match point, and subsequently missed three more opportunities to close the match. Belluno took advantage and snatched the set with 29:27.
The fourth set also offered serious intrigue. At 20:17, Gioia del Colle seemed close to victory, but the visitors equalized at 20:20. It was Garkov who restored the hosts' lead to 21:20 after a long rally, and a little later Nachev distinguished himself with an important block for 20:17.
In the final rallies, Gioia del Colle demonstrated greater resilience and closed the match with 25:22.
The most effective scorer for the winners was Giulio Sabbi with 23 points, followed by Felice Sette with 22. For Belluno, Mattia Baldi scored the most - 17.
An interesting statistical detail is that the two Bulgarians finished with a total of 25 points, including 3 blocks and 2 aces. Nachev made 4 errors, while Garkov made 7.
After their first success, Gioia del Colle will visit Domotek Reggio Calabria in a "Bulgarian" derby in the next round of Serie A2.
photos:legavolley.it
