Lube is Winning Streak Continues with a Decisive Victory in Piacenza
Lube’s Winning Streak
In Round 18 of the SuperLega Credem Banca, Cucine Lube Civitanova extended its impressive streak with a commanding victory over Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza. This crucial match helped Lube solidify its position in the top tier of Italy’s premier volleyball league. With this win, the team climbed to the top of the standings with 39 points, establishing a comfortable lead over its competitors.
Cucine Lube Civitanova secured its ninth consecutive victory across all competitions, defeating Piacenza 3-0 with set scores of 25-20, 25-19, and 25-23. This was more than just another win—it was a statement of the team’s consistency and determination. Lube now ranks third in the league with 12 wins and 5 losses.
Barthelemy Chinenyeze’s Standout Performance
French middle blocker Barthelemy Chinenyeze played a key role in this triumph, scoring a total of 12 points, including four blocks, two aces, and six successful spikes. Thanks to his stellar performance, he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match—a well-deserved recognition for his contribution.
Contributions from Other Key Players
Besides Chinenyeze, two other players made significant contributions. Eric Loeppky, the Canadian outside hitter, added 11 points, while Turkish opposite hitter Adis Lagumdzija contributed 10 points. The balanced scoring effort allowed Lube to maintain control throughout all three sets.
Match Analysis Against Piacenza
Playing on the road, Lube showcased outstanding form against Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza. The team dominated not just in terms of score but also in gameplay, with well-coordinated attacks and solid defensive stands. Their ability to stage comebacks during sets—especially in the final set—further demonstrated their resilience and composure.
Barthelemy Chinenyeze’s Post-Match Comments
After the match, Chinenyeze expressed his excitement: “We played a fantastic match, trying to perform with the same determination and intensity that helped us lift the Coppa Italia trophy.” His confidence and the team’s unwavering commitment were crucial factors in securing this vital win for Lube.
Other SuperLega Highlights
While Lube celebrated its victory, other teams in the SuperLega also delivered notable performances. Trentino Trento, one of the league’s frontrunners, avoided any surprises by securing a decisive win against Rana Verona at home. Trentino improved its record to 15-2, strengthening its hold on second place in the standings.
Trentino vs. Verona Showdown
The match between Itas Trentino and Rana Verona ended in a 3-0 sweep (25-16, 25-19, 25-23). Alessandro Michieletto delivered an outstanding performance, scoring four aces to lead Trentino to victory. Despite recent successes, Verona struggled to replicate its form from the Coppa Italia.
Sir Safety Perugia Holds Firm
Reigning champions Sir Safety Perugia also capitalized on their opportunity, claiming a 3-0 victory over Gioiella Prisma Taranto. Japanese outside hitter Yuki Ishikawa led the team with 14 points, helping Perugia improve its record to 16-2 and stay atop the leaderboard. Prisma, on the other hand, dropped to the bottom of the standings.
Standings Shakeup
Following their defeat to Perugia, Gioiella Prisma Taranto fell to 12th place with a 4-14 record, putting them in danger of relegation. Meanwhile, Mint Vero Volley Monza secured a critical 3-1 victory over Sonepar Padova, pushing them above the danger zone with a 5-13 record.
Yuasa Battery Grottazzolina, a newly promoted team, also had a successful week, edging out Allianz Milan in a 3-2 thriller. This win elevated them to 9th place with 17 points. Serbian star Dusan Petkovic delivered a standout performance, scoring a match-high 29 points, proving instrumental in his team’s success.
Cisterna volleyball vs. Modena: A Fierce Battle
In the final match of Round 18, Cisterna Volley engaged in a gruelling five-set battle against Valsa Group Modena. Ultimately, Cisterna prevailed 3-2 (25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 23-25, 15-12), securing a crucial win that propelled them past Modena in the standings.
Current Standings Breakdown
After Round 18, Cucine Lube Civitanova leads the league with 39 points, followed by Itas Trentino with 43 points and Sir Safety Perugia with 45 points. Meanwhile, teams like Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza, Rana Verona, and Gioiella Prisma Taranto are facing significant challenges as the season progresses.
With their current form, Cucine Lube Civitanova is expected to continue its winning streak, but the road ahead won’t be easy. The upcoming matches will be crucial, and Lube must stay focused to maintain its dominance.
Cucine Lube Civitanova’s Journey Ahead
Cucine Lube Civitanova has proven itself as a powerhouse in the SuperLega, delivering spectacular performances throughout the season. But their mission is far from over. The team must keep pushing forward to achieve even greater milestones. Fans eagerly await Lube’s next thrilling matches as they aim for glory.
