Busto Arsizio got an 8:7 lead in the first technical time out of the first set. Busto’s Diouf and Gennari both contributed 3 attack points in the first 8 points.
However Eczacibasi VitrA’s setter Maja Ognjenovic started to use American middle blocker Rachael Adams and made the score 9:9. Head coach Mencarelli forced Motta to take the first technical team time out at 10:12.
Once again, Rachael Adams stepped in and got 2 block points and helped Orange and White’s to lead the first set 15:13.
Both teams were showing their best towards the end of the set and both had set points, however Eczacibasi VitrA was able to lead and finish the set 29:27 with the young Serbian star Tijana Boskovic’s attack point.
It was clear that Busto Arsizio wanted to change things in the second set and showed some energy in the beginning of the set. Host team started making unforced errors in the attack points and the Italian team led the first technical time out 8:7.
Eczacibasi VitrA continued to set the pace of the game also in the early stages of the second set and led the score 15:12.
Coach Marcelli made a substitution of Beatrice Berti and Alexandra Botezat to make changes in the game. However, it was a way too late for Yamamay e-work Busto Arsizio attempt any comeback and Eczacibasi finished the set 25:18.
The players of Eczacibasi were off to a flying start also in the third set 8:6. The home side claimed another good series of attack points by captain Jordan Larson.
Busto Arsizio started to make unforced errors at attack points and lost the consistency in the third set.
Eczacibasi VitrA used the advantage and made Marcelli take the second technical team time out at 13:7. Busto Arsizio wanted to bounce back and stayed in the match and led the score 21:16 in the third.
Italian team had a set point at 24:23 and 25:24 and claimed the set 27:25.
Coach Marco Motta put experienced player Guldeniz Onal in and took young Hande Baladin out.
The substitution definitely worked for the Turkish team and started the fourth set with a 6:2 lead. The trio, Tijana Boskovic, Rachael Adams and Jordan Larson, contributed points to Orange and White’s and led the first technical time out 8:4.
Eczacibasi VitrA kept their energy up and looked ready to finish the match (18:11). Quite significantly it was Tijana Boskovic best scorer in the end with 28 points, to cash the match point for Eczacibasi VitrA (25:18).
Jordan Larson: “We played well for most of the match but we need to step it up for the next game in Italy. We are happy that we won 3-1 and got the advantage at home.
We knew Busto Arsizio would not give up throughout the match and they proved in the third set.”
Coach Marco Motta: “First of all, I am happy with the 3-1 win. We could have started the match with better energy, however I am proud of my players how we showed some strength towards the end of the first set.
It was important to get 3 points. Now, we will focus on the Turkish League match on Sunday and get some rhythm before we go to Busto for the second game.”
Italian coach Marco Mencarelli stated: “We knew it was going to be a difficult game. Eczacibasi VitrA played well and consistent throughout the game.
I was disaapointed with our defence and transition in the second set. However, we still have chance at home to play the golden set. We will start get preparing for the second match on 8th of February in Busto.”
