Chieri upsets Novara and moves up to fourth place in the standings.
The Megabox Ondulati Del Savio Vallefoglia team delivered a major surprise in the Lega Femminile Serie A1 Tigotà on Tuesday, securing their fifth consecutive victory in the tournament by defeating the heavyweight Numia Vero Volley Milano.
Vallefoglia faced a tough challenge against the reigning Supercoppa Italiana champions but brought their best performance, winning the match 3-1 (25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 25-15) and triumphing over their rivals after a difficult streak of five consecutive losses.
This remarkable, undefeated run over their last five Italian League matches solidifies Vallefoglia`s position in sixth place with 26 points (9 wins, 7 losses). Conversely, the unexpected loss caused Milano to slip from fourth to fifth place in the standings, as they now hold 34 points (11 wins, 5 losses).
The upset was spearheaded by Olympic and world champion outside hitter Loveth Omoruyi, who earned the match`s MVP award with a season-high 23 points, built on 22 kills and one ace. Albanian opposite Erblira Bici offered powerful support, matching Omoruyi`s explosive impact by also tallying 23 points, including 21 kills and 2 aces.
“I’m very happy,” Omoruyi commented after the match. “I wouldn’t say we expected a victory quite like this, but we started very well and established momentum right from the first points. They played well, but we executed everything correctly today.”
Milano`s efforts were led by star opposite Paola Egonu, who was the game’s overall top scorer with 26 points (24 kills, 2 blocks). American outside hitter Khalia Lanier added 16 points, all through kills, while Olympic champion middle blocker Anna Danesi contributed 13 points (8 kills, 4 blocks, 1 ace).
Chieri Climbs the Ranks After Derby Triumph
Milano’s setback against Vallefoglia directly benefited Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri `76. Chieri secured a significant victory in the Derby against Igor Gorgonzola Novara, winning 3-1 (25-23, 23-25, 25-12, 25-21). This win propelled Chieri past Milano into fourth place with 35 points (12 wins, 4 losses). Novara remains third with 37 points but has played one additional match.
Hungarian opposite Anett Németh was Chieri`s top scorer with 21 points, all scored via kills. The MVP award went to Swiss outside hitter Laura Dervisaj-Künzler, who added 17 points, matching the production of Novara’s top scorer, Russian opposite Tatiana Tolok.
Németh reflected: “It was a great gift, not only for the fans but also for us. We played really well, and winning the Derby against Novara always feels immensely good.”
In other top-tier action, the league leaders maintained their dominance. Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano (1st) swept Omag-Mt San Giovanni In Marignano (25-23, 25-17, 25-19), and world champions Savino Del Bene Scandicci (2nd) defeated Honda Cuneo Granda Volley in straight sets (25-15, 27-25, 25-13).
Rounding out the results, Bergamo swept Eurotek Laica UYBA Busto Arsizio, Wash4Green Monviso Volley beat Bartoccini-Mc Restauri Perugia in three sets, and Il Bisonte Firenze narrowly overcame CBF Balducci HR Macerata in a five-set thriller (25-23, 12-25, 25-21, 20-25, 15-13).
Oliver Wrenwick