Pomi Casalmaggiore. INQUIRER Photo/Sherwin Vardeleontdre21trrew
Pomi Casalmaggiore made club history on Saturday when it blasted Volero Zurich in four sets, 25-27, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23, to reach the finals of the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Italian club is a first-timer in the world championships. But with last year’s champion coach Giovanni Caprara leading the way, big things are expected from the European champions.
After a subpar first set, Pomi found its rhythm to fend off last year’s bronze medalists and set up a date with defending champions Eczacibasi Vitra Istanbul.
“Today we played with more stability than usual, and I’m completely satisfied and tomorrow, hopefully, we can play at this level,” said Caprara.
Pomi held a slim 24-23 lead in the final moments of the fourth set and Volero setter Fabiola had a play for middle blocker Foluke Akinradewo but she had the misfortune of touching the net, giving the Italian club the victory.
Samanta Fabris led Pomi with 23 points while Lucia Bosetti added 16.
Team captain Valentina Tirozzi and Jovana Stevanovic also finished in double figures for Pomi with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Olesia Rykhliuk and Akinradewo led Volero, which will face VakifBank Istanbul in the bronze medal match, with 19 points apiece.