After two games in Kedzierzyn, we were about to see another twist on the way to the gold medal…
The third game was welcomed in Rzeszow, where hosts had couple of thousands fans behind them. A lot of people was expecting an equal game, but it happened much differently. Resovia began an offensive and Zaksa couldn’t handle the attack. Rzeszow was leading 15:7 for Daniel Castellani and his team it was too late to catch it up.
It seemed like Kedzierzyn get their spirit back in the second set, as they won first three actions. It was not a problem for players of Resovia – they tied quickly and the game became more taught and exciting. Felipe Fonteles gave another lead (18:16), but then Resovia scored an incredible series of 5 points and worked out a safe distance for the finish of this set – in short time it was 2:0 for hosts.
Zaksa did not give up. They tried to start this game from scratch and they had a chance to do this by leading 5:3 and 9:8. It was it for that night. Resovia built a leverage for the second technical time out and after that it was only better for them. Zaksa pushed one last time for 17:20, but it was Olieg Achrem who closed the game.
I game in Rzeszow
3:0 (25:20, 25:22, 25:20)
MVP: Grzegorz Kosok
Fans of Zaksa could be pretty worried about the spirit in their team. It was not necessary, because Castellani’s team showed mental strength and they began this game with 4:0. They kept this lead through the set (8:6, 11:8). Pawel Zagumny gave a lot of actions through the middle and Resovia made some mistakes. Thanks to block and spike from Fonteles, Zaksa started that night with full self-confidence.
The second set was the most exciting during this whole four game experience. Resovia was the better team for the most part (4:1, 17:12, 21:15). At this point hardly anybody could believe in Zaksa’s victory. It was the moment when Grzegorz Pilarz, the second setter, came on service. He allowed his colleagues to score with blocks and attack. The result changed from 21:15 for Resovia to 22:21 for Zaksa. However, Resovia had the first set ball. The game carried on till the strike from Gladyr and Fonteles – Zaksa won 30:28.
In this last set Resovia also catched a lead 9:5, but Zaksa saw their big chance to finish this game right away. Pawel Zagumny, after a couple matches of weakness, came back with all the shine of the great setter. Zaksa was better in the second half of this set. Rzeszow fought to the very end, but soon it was over.
II game in Rzeszow
0:3 (19:25, 28:30, 23:25)
MVP: Pawel Zagumny
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