Romeo Sorrento Wins First Del Monte® Coppa Italia Serie A3 Title
The Romeo Sorrento men’s volleyball team has achieved a historic milestone by winning the Del Monte® Coppa Italia Serie A3, clinching the title with a resounding victory over San Donà di Piave. This momentous win took place on February 23, 2025, at the Palasport of Longarone, where Sorrento defeated their opponents with set scores of 25-21, 25-21, and 25-17.
Stefano Patriarca, the captain of the Sorrento team, not only lifted the trophy but also earned the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his outstanding performance throughout the match. Under coach Nicola Esposito's guidance, the team demonstrated remarkable synergy and skill, much to the delight of over 100 fans who traveled from Sorrento to support them.
Patriarca expressed his joy, stating, “I’m happy about this award, but the real MVP is the team, the group. This victory is the result of sacrifices, with the goal not only to perform well but to grow a movement, a club, and a city dedicated to volleyball at high levels. This is an achievement we reached perhaps even earlier than expected.”
For Sorrento, this triumph marked the first time they have secured the national cup. The team's victory was all the more impressive as they had just pulled off a thrilling semifinal win, battling the home team Belluno to secure their place in the final after winning 3-2 in tight sets.
The match itself was characterized by intense exchanges, but Sorrento quickly established dominance. Their early lead helped set the tone for the rest of the match. The team, which includes players like Calogero Tulone as setter, Francesco Fortes and Andrea Baldi as hitters, relied on each other's strengths to seal their victory seamlessly.
During the final match, three players from Sorrento finished with double-digit scores: Alberto Pol, Baldi, and Fortes each contributed 10 points to the team’s total. Patriarca himself added 7 points and significantly impacted the defensive strategy by showcasing powerful blocks. Although Giannotti emerged as the top scorer for San Donà with 11 points, it wasn't enough to overcome Sorrento's determined and cohesive performance.
Michele Miccolis, Board Member of the Serie A Volleyball League, along with Roberto Padrin, the Mayor of Longarone, participated in the awarding ceremony after the final whistle. The MVP award was handed to Patriarca by Yvonne Schlesinger, the Deputy Director of the Serie A Volleyball League.
The defeat for San Donà, who had hoped to claim the title, provides some lessons to carry forward. Player Leonardo Baciocco stated, “We must be happy to have reached the semifinals. It feels bittersweet; we were once again at the top of our game, but faltered at the end. We hope for more matches like this, possibly with different outcomes.”
Reflecting on their historic achievement, the celebrations among Sorrento's players, staff, and fans were emblematic of their hard work and commitment to excellence. With their first national cup secured, they now turn their focus to the Supercoppa, which promises to be another thrilling contest. This victory will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of all involved, marking the 23rd of February as both a victorious day and a significant chapter for the Sorrento volleyball club.
Romeo Sorrento's achievement is not just about the trophy; it's about the foundation they are building for the future of volleyball in their community and the pride they instill within their supporters. This win is expected to propel the club to new heights as they look forward to future challenges.
Overall, this significant victory not only highlights the skills of the players but also the importance of teamwork and community support, illustrating how the unity of purpose can lead to success on the biggest stages.
With their eyes now set on the future, Romeo Sorrento has undoubtedly laid down the marker for others to follow as they prepare for the next chapter of their rise through the ranks of Italian volleyball.