Egonu Leads Milano Back on Track Against Cuneo
Paola Egonu’s Outstanding Performance
The star of the Paris Olympics, Paola Egonu, delivered a stellar performance during the Lega Volley Femminile Serie A1 Tigotà 2024-2025 on Saturday, helping Numia Vero Volley Milano recover from a recent defeat to Novara. Scoring an impressive 26 points, Egonu demonstrated her critical role in the team, playing a pivotal part in Milano’s victory over Honda Olivero Cuneo.
Key Match Between Milano and Cuneo
Milano bounced back from a dramatic loss to Igor Gorgonzola Novara by securing a convincing 3-0 win (25-15, 25-23, 25-22) against Cuneo. This crucial victory reinforced Milano’s standing among the league’s top teams, providing a much-needed confidence boost as the team works to regain their rhythm after a challenging period.
Egonu Finds Her Groove
Following her absence at the start of the season due to nasal surgery, Paola Egonu appears to be regaining her top form. This match marked her sixth consecutive game scoring 20 points or more, showcasing her resilience and skill. Egonu contributed 22 kills, three blocks, and an ace, underscoring her dominance in both offence and defence.
Egonu’s Remarkable Contributions
The Cuneo match wasn’t the first time Egonu has delivered an extraordinary performance this season. She previously scored 28 points against Novara and 27 points against Megabox Ondulati Savio Vallefoglia in December. These feats solidify her position as one of the league’s brightest stars.
Supporting Cast Shines Too
While Egonu stole the spotlight, her teammates also made significant contributions to Milano’s victory. Outsiders Miriam Sylla and Nika Daalderop added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Sylla’s impressive performance earned her the MVP of the match, further highlighting her impact on the team’s success.
Miriam Sylla’s Statement
After the match, Miriam Sylla shared her thoughts: “I’m thrilled with this victory. We’re certainly not in the best shape of the season, but the way we fought for every point shows how much we want to turn things around.” This determination will be key as Milano continues their journey in the league.
Cuneo’s Struggles Persist
Cuneo, struggling to stay competitive in the league, currently sits in 12th place with just 11 points (three wins, 14 losses). In their match against Milano, middle blocker Anna Dodson tallied 12 points, while outside hitter Anastasiia Kapralova added 11. Despite these efforts, Cuneo fell short of securing a win.
Vallefoglia Wins in a Five-Set Thriller
Also on Saturday, Megabox Ondulati Savio Vallefoglia triumphed in the week’s only five-set match, defeating Cda Volley Talmassons Fvg 3-2 (30-32, 25-19, 25-19, 19-25, 15-11). American outside hitter Simone Lee led the way with 23 points, continuing her impressive run.
League Leaders Stay Strong
The top three teams in the Italian League maintained their dominance with victories on Sunday: Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano, the league leaders, defeated Bergamo 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-21). Savino Del Bene Scandicci cruised past Eurotek Uyba Busto Arsizio 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-17). Third-placed Novara secured a 3-0 win over SMI Roma Volley (25-14, 29-27, 25-17).
Current Standings
Following this round, Milano retains fourth place in the standings with 35 points (12 wins, four losses). Meanwhile, Cuneo remains in a precarious 12th position with 11 points as they battle to avoid relegation. With Egonu’s resurgence and the team’s renewed energy, Milano is poised to continue their ascent in the competition. By maintaining team spirit and addressing their weaknesses, they can strengthen their bid for the title.
A Thrilling Season Ahead
The Lega Volley Femminile Serie A1 2024-2025 season continues to captivate fans with its intense matches and dramatic twists. Egonu’s comeback and Milano’s resurgence promise even more excitement in the coming weeks. Stay tuned as the race for the championship heats up!
