Sunday, March 19, will mark the start of the semifinal round of the Italian men’s superleague.
Semifinal Matchups:
- Cucine Lube Civitanova vs. winner of Azimut Modena/Calzedonia Verona
- Diatec Trentino vs. Sir Safety Conad Perugia
This is the first round of the semifinal matches that is set to begin on March 19, with the second round taking place on March 26 and the third round April 9.
Having to play one more match to advance in the playoffs is Azimut Modena and Calzedonia Verona, which is set to take place on March 12. Verona took the first match of the series between the two teams, trying to make it to the semifinals for the first time in club history, but Modena tied up the series at 1-1 with the second round win. The two square off for a chance to play Cucine in the first round of the semifinals. Modena has recently signed setter Dragan Travica, who is joining the team through the end of the season.
The teams fighting their way into the semifinals are all among the top five finishers of the superleague’s regular season. Cucine led the pack with a 23-3 record (68 points) for the number one position. Trentino ended in second place with a 21-5 record (62 points) while Perugia finished with the same results. Modena came in fourth with a 20-6 (53 points record) while Verona came close in points to round out the top five with a 16-10 overall record and 50 points.
Quarterfinal wrap up
Sir Safety Perugia def. LPR Placenza
Perugia took the chances of a semifinals berth away from LPR with a three set battle 3-0, (25-23, 25-20, 25-23). Aaron Russell led the victors with 23 points earning the MVP honor, with Emanuele Birarelli blocking four balls.
Cucine Lube Civitanova def. Tonnot Callipo Calabria Vibo Valentia
Cucine earned their spot in the semifinals with a 3-0, (25-16, 25-18, 25-18) sweep over Valentia, in the shortest match of the second round of the quarterfinals. In the match Cucine was able to block 11 balls, with Dragan Stankovic contributing four.
Diatec Trentino def. Gi Group Monza
Trentino was able to find their way into the semifinals with a three set sweep over Monza 3-0, (25-18, 25-23, 25-22). Trentino was able to accumulate a 63.9 hitting percentage.
Azimut Modena def. Calzedonia Verona
Modena forces a third round match against Verona to vie for a spot in the semifinals against Cucine. Modena was able to sweep Verona 3-0, (25-23, 25-23, 25-21). In the win, Modena was able to put down seven aces, with Luca Vettori putting down three. Earvin Ngapeth led all players with 23 points, 21 of which being kills, earning MVP of the match.
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