Igor Gorgonzola Novara – CS Volei Alba Blaj 3-1 (25-12, 25-20, 20-25, 25-17)
Igor Gorgonzola Novara took a significant step toward winning the CEV Cup after defeating Alba Blaj 3-1 in the first leg of the final at a sold-out Pala Igor. Lorenzo Bernardi’s squad now needs either a win or a 3-2 loss in the return match on Tuesday, April 1, at 18:00 local time in Romania to secure the trophy. If Alba Blaj wins 3-0 or 3-1, the championship will be decided in a golden set tiebreak.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Ishikawa capitalized on a great defensive play by Fersino before serving an ace (10-7) and setting up Bosio’s block straight after. Alba Blaj fought back, as Ruban leveled the score at 13-13, but Novara responded with Aleksic’s quick attack. Felix Costa narrowed the gap, but Tolok and Alsmeier stepped up in the crucial moments (23-20). Alsmeier earned set point with a delicate touch before Tolok’s block secured a 25-20 win.
Alba Blaj responded in the third set, determined to stay in the match. Felix Costa fired two aces (5-8), and Novara’s unforced errors allowed the Romanian side to take control. Alsmeier attempted to rally her team with minus 6 points, but Blaj maintained their advantage (15-22). Bernardi made tactical changes, and Mims provided a spark (18-23), but Rotar sealed the set with a decisive diagonal shot for 20-25.
Igor’s response, however, was immediate: in the fourth set, after a balanced start, the Italian side pulled away thanks to an outstanding performance from Mayu Ishikawa and crucial blocks by Federica Squarcini, closing the set at 25-17 and sealing the 3-1 victory.
This result gives Novara a significant advantage ahead of the return match, where winning just two sets will be enough to secure the CEV Cup.
MVP Lina ALSMEIER (16 points, 2 aces, 1 block)