volleyball
Scalia Volley suffers fourth consecutive defeat: Jonica wins at Palatenda
The boys from Frinzi Russo give in at the end. Meanwhile, Group H goes crazy: Corigliano loses and the top spot is up for grabs.
The results keep slipping away for Scalia Volley. In the XX matchday of Group H, coach Tani Frinzi Russo's team fell at home against a clinical and solid Jonica Volley Santa Teresa, losing 3-1. For the Agrigentines, this marks the fourth consecutive defeat, a dark period that has come against the "four sisters" of the championship, which is now starting to weigh on the standings and morale.
The illusion and the comeback suffered
The start at the Palatenda had told a different story. Driven by a Roccazzella in a night of grace, Scalia managed to turn around a complicated first set, closing it with a roar at 25-23. It seemed like the prelude to a night of redemption, but the light went out too soon.
The Jonica Volley, a newly promoted team but already able to move with the ease of a veteran in Serie B, was not intimidated. The guests reorganized their ideas, raising their defense and finding rhythm in their serves: the next two sets were a photocopy of Messina's dominance, both archived at 25-19.
The final thrill: 23-23 and the cold shower
The fourth set seemed to be flowing towards the end credits, with Jonica leading 21-14. It was here that the pride of Scalia emerged: with an incredible comeback that ignited the home crowd, the biancazzurri closed the gap to tie at 23-23.
Just when a tie-break seemed possible, the class of the guests took center stage. A powerful shot from the Polish Fjialka and an impenetrable block from Alaimo sealed the match, giving three points to Jonica and leaving a bitter taste for a Scalia that appeared less brilliant compared to the battle two weeks ago against Bronte.
Earthquake at the top: standings turned upside down
If Agrigento is mourning, the championship is shaking. The recently concluded round has indeed brought a shocking stop for the leaders Corigliano on the field of Letojanni. A misstep that, combined with the successes of Aquila Bronte and Lamezia, redraws the boundaries of the group: now there is incredible traffic at the top with three teams tied at 53 points.
Next round
For Scalia Volley, there is no time for self-pity. The redemption mission restarts from Catania, where Frinzi Russo's boys will face Gupe. They will need the mind of the first set and the heart of the final moments of the match to break the negative streak and get back on track.