Busto Arsizio Shocks Perugia in Castellanza

A hard-fought match with frequent momentum swings highlighted the strengths of coach Michele Marchiaro's team. Foremost among these was the roster's depth and quality, where every player plays a crucial role. Brunella Fusco exemplifies this, contributing 8 points with 66% positive reception, one block, and 36% offense, stepping in as opposite after Gaia Moroni left due to knee discomfort. This comes amidst a challenging start to the Regular Season for Busto Arsizio, already without their starting opposite, Edinara, who sustained an eye injury in training and requires a few days' rest for a minor hematoma.

Adding to the roster concerns, Elenora Muscetti was signed at the last minute. The 2002-born setter joins the team to allow Natasha Spinello a full recovery from a back issue affecting her since pre-season preparation.

Despite these challenges, Erreci rallied, demonstrating the "tough" character previously seen in pre-season. Competing for the first three league points, Busto Arsizio delivered their best performance, mounting two impressive comebacks—from 12-17 in the second set and crucially from 8-14 in the fourth—to secure a vital win against a championship contender.

Mija Šiftar led all scorers with 25 points, including 2 aces and 2 blocks, hitting at 38%. Captain Cagnin also reached double digits with 17 points, complemented by 46% perfect reception and 2 aces. All players contributed significantly; Giulia Marconato added 3 blocks, while Serena Scognamillo was the undisputed MVP. She delivered 62% positive reception and 37% perfect reception, but her standout performance was in defense, where she was impeccable.

Coach Marchiaro's starting lineup featured Gaia Moroni opposite Sassolini, Marconato and Cosi at middle, Cagnin and Šiftar on the outside, and Scognamillo as libero. Perugia countered with Nicolini and Scharmann at the helm, Mancini and Consoli in the middle, Michieletto and Fiesoli on the wings, and Recchia as libero.

The initial phase saw strong parity, but Busto Arsizio made the first decisive move with a three-point run from Sassolini and Cagnin. The setter from Tuscany secured a block for 14-12, and Emma followed with another block and an attack, extending the lead to 16-12. A lengthy rally won by Gaia Moroni and another powerful hit from Cagnin solidified the four-point advantage (18-14, 20-16). Šiftar's block brought the home team closer (23-19), but Perugia rallied to tie at 23-23. Cosi earned the first set point (24-23), and Busto Arsizio clinched the set on the third opportunity due to an out-of-bounds attack from Fiesoli.

Set scores: 8-7, 16-12, 21-18, 23-19, 23-23, 27-25.

Key scorers: Cagnin 7, Šiftar 6; Fiesoli 4.

Perugia responded strongly, taking an early lead (2-5, 3-7) and achieving their largest advantage at 12-17. However, Marchiaro's players refused to yield. Sassolini's effective serving helped them recover point by point to level at 17-17. Having done the hard work, and with an enforced substitution of Gaia Moroni for Fusco, they surged ahead (23-20). Šiftar sealed the set with a precise ace (25-22).

Set scores: 4-8, 12-17, 17-17, 23-20, 25-22.

Key scorers: Šiftar 7, Cagnin 5; Fiesoli 5, Michieletto 4.

Busto Arsizio maintained momentum, starting the third set positively (9-4). The Slovenian outside hitter kept her team ahead (13-9), but Bartoccini fought back to tie at 15-15. Erreci then experienced a dip, allowing the visitors to take the lead (15-17, 16-21). The introduction of Eleonora Muscetti in playmaking couldn't change the tide. The 18-24 deficit was significant, and though the home team saved four set points (22-24), Ornoch closed the set at 22-25.

Set scores: 9-4, 13-9, 15-15, 16-21, 18-24, 22-24, 22-25.

Key scorers: Šiftar 5, Fusco 4; Mancini and Grosse Scharmann 6.

Perugia carried their advantage into the fourth, establishing a commanding 3-8 lead. Erreci struggled to respond (5-10, 8-14), prompting coach Marchiaro to bring in Ndoci. However, the home team's persistence paid off as they clawed their way back to 14-15. With the score now balanced, both teams exchanged blows. Fusco equalized at 18-18, intensifying the match. Marconato's block gave the home team their first lead (21-20). An opponent net violation made it 23-21, and in a tense finale, Šiftar scored the winning point.

Set scores: 3-8, 5-10, 14-15, 18-18, 21-20, 23-21, 25-22.

Key scorers: Šiftar 7, Fusco 4; Fiesoli 5.

Key Players

Brunella Fusco (Erreci Busto Arsizio): "We are very happy with this result. We expected a tough match, and it was, but thankfully the team won. We showed what we've done in these two months of preparation. It was a difficult game for me as I'm an outside hitter, but I played opposite. I thank my teammates for their support. I managed to help the team somehow, and we hope Gaia Moroni and Edinara return soon."

Cecilia Nicolini (Bartoccini +energia Perugia): "I don't think we ever truly got into the game tonight. Several factors contributed, like the nerves of the first match, which we felt in the first set. I must compliment Busto because, despite lacking an opposite, they were very effective; we never managed to stop their outside hitters. Congratulations to Erreci."

Match Details

ERRECI BUSTO ARSIZIO – BARTOCCINI +ENERGIA PERUGIA 3-1 (27-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-22)

ERRECI BUSTO ARSIZIO: Cagnin 17, Marconato 8, Moroni 3, Siftar 25, Cosi 6, Sassolini 3, Scognamillo (L), Fusco 8, Di Mario, Ndoci, Eleonora. Did not play: Moroni, Spinello, Edinara. Coach: Marchiaro.

BARTOCCINI +ENERGIA PERUGIA: Ornoch 4, Mancini 5, Grosse Scharmann 15, Michieletto 16, Consoli 9, Nicolini 2, Recchia (L), Fiesoli 18, Biagianti 1, Fratangelo, Colombo. Did not play: Brambilla (L). Coach: Micoli.

Referees: Lambertini, Peccia

Set durations: 30′, 30′, 27′, 29′; Total: 116′.

MVP: Serena Scognamillo (Erreci Busto Arsizio)

Service: Erreci Busto Arsizio 5 aces, 11 errors; Bartoccini +energia Perugia 3 aces, 4 errors.

Attacks: Erreci Busto Arsizio 56 kills, 10 errors; Bartoccini +energia Perugia 56 kills, 18 errors.

Blocks: Erreci Busto Arsizio 9 winning; Bartoccini +energia Perugia 11 winning.