HANGZHOU, December 22, 2024 – Imoco Conegliano has soared to new heights, capturing its third Volleyball Women's Club World Championship title by decisively defeating the home team Tianjin Bohai Bank 3-0 (sets: 25-21, 25-15, 25-20) at the Huanglong Sports Center. This latest victory adds to Conegliano's impressive collection of titles, marking their dominance since winning the championship for the first time in 2019, followed by another title in 2022.
The match showcased the exceptional talent of Conegliano's players, particularly Isabelle Haak, who notched 25 points, earning the Most Valuable Player of the tournament title. Supporting her were key performances from Zhu Ting with 14 points, Gabi with 10 points, and middle blocker Sarah Fahr, who contributed 11 points. Coach Daniele Santarelli's strategic gameplay emphasized skillful teamwork and sharp execution throughout the finals.
Earlier this year, Conegliano had already clinched the Italian championship, the Coppa Italia, the Super Cup, and the European Champions League, completing what could be referred to as the golden year for Italian volleyball. "For Conegliano, this is the third world title after those of 2019 and 2022," stated ANSA, reflecting on the team's remarkable achievement this season.
The match unfolded with intense competition, especially evident during the first set where Conegliano faced early challenges. Tianjin began strong, leading 4-1. Nevertheless, the resilience of Conegliano shone through as they rallied back efficiently with powerful spikes from Haak and strategic blocks by Fahr, quickly reversing the tide to take the lead. "Conegliano maintains control and closes the set with Haak's decisive hit after battling back from behind," reported AGI.
The second set demonstrated Conegliano's dominance, where they established early momentum by extending their lead to as much as seven points, finishing the set 25-15 with Haak’s unyielding offense proving to be unstoppable. This set easily showcased the Italian team's prowess against their rivals.
Entering the third set, Tianjin attempted to claw back and took the lead at one point, but Conegliano's experience and poise under pressure prevailed. With smart plays and strong defense led by libero Monica De Gennaro, Conegliano secured the final set 25-20, completing their championship sweep without dropping a single set throughout the tournament.
The 2024 Club World Championship featured Conegliano’s comprehensive strategy and exceptional skills, having defeated every opponent by straight sets—displaying their dominance not just within the championship but also throughout the volleyball community this season.
Conegliano's successful campaign included notable victories over esteemed teams, such as Brazilian Dentil Praia Clube and European vice-champions Numia True Volley Milan. Conegliano displayed their remarkable consistency and excellence by maintaining their undefeated streak against this fierce competition, cementing their status as one of the top clubs globally.
Post-match, the celebration ignited as the Conegliano girls received their gold medals and trophy, with the crowd roaring with applause and excitement. This title not only adds to their growing trophy cabinet but also reinforces the team’s position as powerhouses of women's volleyball, representing Italy on the world stage.
Along with Haak’s MVP award, Conegliano celebrated individual accolades with Zhu named the best spiker, Fahr as the best middle blocker, and Joanna Wolosz recognized as the best setter. Such achievements underline the collective efforts and caliber of talent present within the squad.
With this victory, Conegliano closes 2024 with a grand slam achievement across multiple competitions, fulfilling the expectations of their fans and setting high standards for the next season. Reflecting on their success, it’s evident Conegliano is not just securing wins but also crafting their legacy within the volleyball world.
