Nothing to do for Volley Modica, the first round goes to Mantova.

Farmamed Mantova takes game-1 of the round of 16 in the Serie A3 playoffs, overcoming Avimec Modica in four sets at the “PalaSguaitzer”.

The contest, lasting two hours, offered intensity and good technical content, with the two teams meeting for their first official encounter. The Sicilian guests showed character, but a certain inconsistency condemned them to final defeat.

Decisive start by the home team, immediately ahead 5-1 and forcing coach Distefano to call the first timeout. Upon returning, the momentum remains with the Virgilian team (8-4), but Modica reorganizes and stitches back to 13-13, prompting coach Radici to call a timeout. The Lombard restart is emphatic: 5-0 run and a new break that even Distefano's second timeout cannot stop. The set closes 25-18 after 33 minutes, with a winning block from the locals on Bertozzi's attack.

In the second set, the balance holds until 6-6, then a 6-2 run sends Mantova ahead 12-8 and prompts the white-blue bench to call a stop. The Lombards, however, remain solid and keep their opponents at bay (19-14), pushing Modica to call their second timeout. Distefano tries to change the setup, but the home team lets very few balls drop and extends to 25-16, aided by Garofolo's service error, after 25 minutes of play.

Aware of needing to raise their level, Modica approaches the third set with greater boldness and takes the lead (5-8). With the guests up by 3, Radici interrupts with a timeout; upon resuming, Mantova climbs back to 15-16, putting pressure on the Sicilians, who respond with a new surge (18-22). When the Virgilian team comes back within reach (20-22), Distefano resorts to a 30-second timeout, then, at 22-24, it’s Mantova’s turn to stop the game. Upon returning, captain Chillemi's block makes it 22-25 and reopens the contest.

The fourth set remains balanced until 4-4, then three consecutive points from the home team create the first gap (7-4) and prompt Distefano to call a time out. Modica doesn’t give up, closes the gap (8-6) and ties the score at 10-10. The Lombards regain order and attempt a new lead (16-13); when the islanders come back (18-16), Radici senses danger and calls a discretionary time out. Upon resumption, the home team scores the 19th, and the Modica coach uses his second time out. Mantova rises to 20-16, but suffers a comeback from the visitors until 23-22. The first match point is canceled (24-23), Radici stops the game again to prepare for the final assault: upon returning, Simoni's attack seals the deal 25-23 after 33 minutes.

The two teams will return to the court for game-2 next Sunday at the “PalaRizza” in Modica.

Farmamed Mantova 3
Avimec Modica 1

Partial scores: 25/18, 25/16, 22/25, 25/23

Farmamed Mantova: Baciocco 20, Baldazzi 21, Simoni 7, Andriola 6, Guerriero, Zanini, Selleri 2, Maiocchi 26, El Moudden (L1), n.e.: Cremonesi, Pinali, Sommavilla (L2), Gola, Tojari. Coach: Andrea Radici; Assistant: Cristian Lorenzi
Avimec Modica: Barretta 2, Raso, Bertozzi 17, Lugli 8, Putini, Chillemi 14, Cipolloni Save, Buzzi 6, Garofolo 4, Mariano 6, Nastasi (L1), Pappalardo (L2). Coach: Enzo Distefano; Assistant: Manuel Benassi.

Referees: Andrea Galteri and Azzurra Marani from Perugia.