A spectacular effort by star opposite Paola Egonu has kept defending champions Prosecco Doc Imoco Volley Conegliano within striking distance of Lega Pallavolo vivo Serie A1 Femminile leaders Vero Volley Monza as the Italian League completed its busy mid-week schedule.

The Italian national team opposite had a great night and produced 39 points (37 kills, two aces), which were pivotal to Conegliano’s five-set (23-25, 25-13, 25-19, 21-25, 15-11) victory over Megabox Ondulati Del Savio Vallefoglia.

“I expected the match to be this difficult, they’re an excellent team,” Egonu said after winning the match’s MVP award. “We struggled at the beginning as we were making way too many mistakes, but once we found our game and started doing the things we trained for during the week, it all got better. This was a precious victory for us.”

The hard-earned two points moved the defending champions up to second place in the league with 45 points (16 wins, two losses), four behind Monza, who have 49 (16 wins, four losses) but who have played two more matches.

The leaders took care of business on Wednesday, downing Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri in straight sets (25-23, 25-20, 25-22) to remain clear at the top of the standings. With 18 points (17 kills, one ace) to her name, Polish opposite Magdalena Stysiak earned the MVP award.

“It was a great victory,” outside hitter Anna Danesi commented. “We expected more from Chieri, but I think our blocking and defence made the match easier for us. These are very important points against a good team which keep us at the top of the standings. It’s a long tournament, but being at the top right now means a lot to us.”

The battle between Conegliano and Monza continues over the weekend, with the leaders playing on the road against VBC Trasporti Pesanti Casalmaggiore on Saturday and the defending champions facing Delta Despar Trentino on Sunday. Third-placed Savino Del Bene Scandicci, who also have 45 points (16 wins, four losses), host Bartoccini Fortinfissi Perugia, on Sunday.

• All matches of the Italian men's and women's leagues are available to watch live or on demand on Volleyball TV.

Fourth-placed Igor Gorgonzola Novara are also in the conversation after their 3-1 (25-19, 27-25, 29-31, 25-22) road victory over Il Bisonte Firenze. The team, who have 43 points (15 wins, two losses), had great production from Turkish opposite Ebrar Karakurt, with 30 points (27 kills, two blocks, one ace), and Belgian outside hitter Britt Herbots, with 21, all in kills.

In the other match of the week, Trentino cruised past Volley Bergamo to a three-set (25-27, 25-20, 25-16) victory with 18 points (17 kills, one block) from Spanish outside hitter Jessica Rivero.

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