Belluno Volley faced off against Romeo Sorrento on Saturday night at the Palasport di Longarone, intensifying the competitive spirit of the Del Monte Coppa Italia Serie A3 semi-finals. Despite putting up a fierce battle, Belluno succumbed to Sorrento with a heart-wrenching 3-2 final score, marking both the end of their cup run and the potential for future aspirations.
The contest unfolded as expected, with Sorrento arriving as clear favorites, having dominated their group phase and securing 16 wins prior to this semi-final (as reported by the local press). The match began with both teams trading points fiercely, illustrating how hard-fought the encounter would be. Belluno even had the opportunity to win the first set but fell short as Sorrento capitalized on their moment to close it 26-24.
Despite losing the initial first two sets—with Sorrento comfortably taking the second 25-20—it was during the intermission and latter portions of the match where Belluno found its momentum. Coach Marco Marzola’s team showed resilience, especially through substitutions like Schiro and Bisi, which sparked the needed energy shifts. Belluno took the third set 25-18 and the fourth 25-17, stunning the Sorrento side and reviving hopes among their fans.
“We came back with determination after those first two sets,” said Belluno’s setter Leonardo Ferrato, capturing the spirit of the game. The coach had previously mentioned the anxiety the players felt during the initial sets, but as the match progressed, they managed to find their rhythm.
Attention shifted to the final tiebreak round, where after being down 1-4, Belluno once again showcased their fighting spirit. Tied at 13-13, both teams were neck-and-neck; the crowd was roaring as every point gained momentum. Unfortunately for Belluno, some errors haunted them at pivotal moments, including a notable attack error and Sorrento’s formidable blocking efforts, led by Tulone, who sealed the final score with both precision and experience.
The final statistics reflected the tension of the match. Belluno outperformed Sorrento offensively, achieving 84 attacking points compared to Sorrento's 64. Despite this advantage, Belluno's 37 errors against Sorrento’s 23 proved costly. This discrepancy, coupled with Sorrento’s seasoned performance, shifted the tides and allowed Sorrento to claim the much-coveted opportunity to compete for the championship. The match, lasting just over two hours, saw Sorrento advance to face Personal Time San Donà di Piave.
Post-match, the atmosphere inside the packed venue remained electric, with fans chanting the players' names and expressing immense pride. Belluno’s player Loglisci emerged as the standout performer of the night, scoring 25 points and earning respect across the league for his relentless efforts. Meanwhile, for Sorrento, Baldi led with 17 points, echoing the team's experience necessary to clinch the win.
“We showed significant heart, and tonight was proof of our potential,” Ferrato remarked, hinting at optimism for their season's future as they now look to focus on the imminent playoffs. The semifinal might have ended with disappointment for Belluno, but it has set the stage for their determination to push forward.
The bellows of crowd chants filled the arena, with nearly 1,000 supporters of Belluno cheering on their team, proud of the effort displayed. There is hope yet for the Belluno Volley community. With their recent performance as the foundation, the future holds promise as they set their eyes on creating success on another stage, potentially brighter as the playoffs approach.