Pomi Casalmaggiore outlasts Rexona SESC Rio

Lucia Bosetti and Valentina Tirozzi of Pomi Casalmaggiore

Pomi Casalmaggiore of Italy refused to yield in the face of two match points to turn back Rexona SESC Rio, 17-25, 25-20, 25-20, 19-25, 18-16, in the FIVB Women’s Club Championships at SM Mall of Asia.

Stevanovic Jovana made the winning block to hand the Italian club the win after two hours and two minutes.

It was Pomi Casalmaggiore first victory of the tournament and it also dragged Rexona to a tie with 1-1 record, behind Group A leader Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul.

Pomi Casalmaggiore, which dropped a three-setter to Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul on opening day, bucked the huge 29-point explosion of Gabi Guimaraes.

Both fought on even terms with Rexona even leading in attacks, 62-54. Each team had 15 blocks, but Pomi had more aces, 7-4.

Rexona went to match point 14-13 and 16-15. But each time Pomi fought back.

Samanta Fabris topscored with 24, while Lucia Bosetti added 16 for the Italian club. Stevanovic and Lauren Gibbermeyer also contributed 13 and 10 points, respectively.