Conegliano, the Italian women's volleyball team, showcased their dominance once again by clinching the 2024 Women's Volleyball World Club Championship. The team defeated China's Tianjin Bohai Bank decisively with scores of 25-21, 25-15, and 25-20, celebrating their third title at the tournament held on October 22, 2024, in Hangzhou, China.
This victory marks yet another high point for Conegliano, which previously won the championship in 2019 and 2022. Their performance was impressive throughout the tournament, as they managed to emerge victorious without dropping a single set. Key players, particularly Isabelle Haak and Gabi Guimarães, played pivotal roles, with Haak scoring 25 points during the final match, showcasing her skills as one of the world's top attackers.
Originally, during the final, Conegliano faced stiff competition from Tianjin, who were making history by reaching their first World Club final. The Chinese side put up strong resistance initially, leading the first set before Conegliano rallied back to secure it. Haak and Zhu Ting were instrumental during this match; Haak's sharp attacks and Zhu's strategic plays kept the Italian team afloat as they turned the match around.
Gabi Guimarães, known for her defensive prowess, contributed significantly by ensuring her team maintained control and rhythm throughout the match. Her precise passes and solid coverage were evident, allowing Conegliano to capitalize on every opportunity. "It was incredible to win again here, especially against such strong competition on their home soil," Guimarães remarked after the victory, reflecting on the significance of their success.
Isabelle Haak's performance was lauded as she not only led the scoring but was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP). This is Haak's third time receiving the MVP award at this championship, underscoring her consistent excellence. "We played as a team, and our hard work paid off," Haak stated, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind their success.
The match's second set saw Conegliano taking charge early on, with strategic serves and effective blocks, overwhelming Tianjin with their powerful game plan. The third set maintained similar pressure; Conegliano showcased resilience and skill, never allowing the Chinese side to gain much momentum.
This final not only underlined Conegliano's place at the top of women’s volleyball but also highlighted the growth of the sport within China, as they hosted the event and reached the finals. Wang Yizhu from Tianjin commented on her team’s experience, saying, "Reaching the final was historic for us, and we aimed for victory,” indicative of their ambition and potential for future competitions.
With this latest triumph, Conegliano firmly states its claim as one of the best women’s volleyball teams globally, reinforcing its reputation as a powerhouse capable of excelling under pressure, even on unfamiliar grounds. Coach Daniele Santarelli remarked, "This victory shows our strength and global presence in volleyball," as he praised his team's commitment and performance throughout the tournament, indicating they are far from finished and expect to continue their streak of success.
Conegliano's continued success is not only significant for the team and their fans but also marks them as role models for aspiring volleyball players around the world, proving what can be accomplished through hard work and teamwork. The path forward seems promising as they prepare for upcoming international competitions, determined to maintain their reign as champions.
