Monza.Vero Volley (Monza) ended their negative streak and returned to winning ways against one of the league's contenders – Cucine Lube (Civitanova). The match from the midweek 9th round of the SuperLega offered a "Bulgarian derby" and more volleyball than expected, with the hosts demonstrating more stable play in crucial moments and deservedly triumphing.
Martin Atanasov was among the most important figures for Monza. The outside hitter played a strong match as a starter and finished with 15 points, including 1 block, showing 50% attack efficiency and solid reception. He was second in scoring for the team and key in the first two sets, which set the tempo of the match.
Jasmin Velichkov appeared in the first two parts and managed to record a scoring block, contributing in critical rallies and demonstrating stability at the net.
Top scorer in the match – Aleksandar Nikolov
Despite the loss, Aleksandar Nikolov became the most prolific scorer of the match. The Bulgarian national delivered another impressive performance for Lube, finishing with 26 points – 5 aces, 3 blocks, and 42% attack efficiency, complemented by 70% positive reception. Despite his dominance, the visitors never found stability to turn the tide of the match.
Result
Monza – Lube 3:1 (25:23, 25:21, 21:25, 25:14)
Brief match overview
Monza started more aggressively from the beginning and dictated the tempo in the first two sets, exploiting the weaknesses in the visitors' reception. Lube managed to get back into the match with a more organized attack in the third set, but the hosts reacted quickly – their stable block and varied offense in the fourth set ultimately tipped the scales. For Monza, this is a strategic success after a series of six consecutive defeats, while Lube remains without an away win since the start of the season.
Upcoming matches
In the regular 10th round:
Lube visits Modena – Saturday, December 6, 7:00 PM.
Monza also plays away – against Padua with Boris Nachev – Monday, December 8, 6:30 PM.
Standings
| Place | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sir Susa Scai Perugia | 26 |
| 2 | Rana Verona | 23 |
| 3 | Itas Trentino | 21 |
| 4 | Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza | 18 |
| 5 | Cucine Lube Civitanova | 17 |
| 6 | Valsa Group Modena | 16 |
| 7 | Allianz Milano | 13 |
| 8 | MA Acqua S.Bernardo Cuneo | 9 |
| 9 | Sonepar Padova | 8 |
| 10 | Vero Volley Monza | 7 |
| 11 | Cisterna Volley | 6 |
| 12 | Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina | 1 |
The standings reflect a clear dominance of Perugia and Verona at the start of the season, while Lube remains in the group of pursuers. Monza, despite a difficult start, shows signs of stabilization with this victory and approaches the middle of the table.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
