Italy claim hard-fought victory over Canada at Women’s Super 6 Italy claim hard-fought victory over Canada at Women’s Super 6

Italy eluded Canada in a tightly contested match, recording a 3-0 (25-22, 26-24, 25-23) victory in the 2024 WPV Women’s Super 6 at Parc des Sports de Vandoeuvre in Nancy, France on Thursday. Italy claimed their second win with a clutch win despite Canada’s valiant efforts and impressive runs throughout the match.

Italy started the first set with a quick two-point lead, but Canada, led by Heidi Peters, responded swiftly with an attack and an ace to level the score at 2-all. Italy then embarked on a four-point run, showcasing a superior offensive strategy that unsettled the Canadian side. Spearheaded by Francesca Bosio, Italy widened their lead, although Peters managed to keep Canada within striking distance at 9-6.

Canada clawed their way back to snatch a 14-12 lead midway through the set. However, Bosio rallied her team, reclaiming the lead at 16-15, with Giulia Aringhieri adding to the advantage with a powerful middle attack, making it 17-15. Italy extended their lead to 19-15 before Canada halted the momentum with a block at 19-16. Italy maintained their grip on the lead, and despite Canada’s efforts, won the set 25-22 after a joust win and capitalising on Canadian ball-handling errors.

The second set saw Italy starting with a narrow 5-4 lead, but Canada launched a robust offensive run, establishing an 11-7 cushion. Canada’s defence, led by Danielle Ellis, and their formidable blocking game gave them a significant 13-7 lead. Italy, however, fought back with a three-point run, closing the gap to 13-10 and later to 14-12.

Julie Kozun’s solid block temporarily stalled Italy’s progress, as Canada built a 20-15 lead. Canada continued to capitalise on their opportunities, with Peters extending the lead to 23-16. Yet, Italy showcased their resilience, mounting a spirited comeback to tie the set at 24-all. A subsequent attack error by Canada allowed Italy to take the lead at 25-24, and an attack that Canadian libero Jolan Wong could not return sealed the set for Italy at 26-24.

Italy carried their momentum into the third set, launching a series of attacks to establish a 17-11 lead. They maintained pressure on Canada, despite a late rally by the North Americans. Canada, showing commendable determination, converted on several attacks to close the gap to 24-22. Peters’ heroic efforts brought Canada within one point at 24-23, but Italy held firm to clinch the set 25-23, and with it, the match.