Egonu blasts Conegliano to thrilling comeback for Cup title

Prosecco Doc Imoco Volley Conegliano spectacularly claimed the first title of 2022 - and they did it the hard way, fighting from two sets down to edge their archrivals Igor Gorgonzola Novara 3-2 (19-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-22, 15-13) after well over two hours of play in the Italian women's Cup Final, before some 3,500 fans in Rome.

Paola Egonu was once more instrumental in Conegliano's win and was named MVP of the game after bagging the match high of 26 points.

It was the fourth Cup title for Conegliano, who had previously triumphed in 2017, 2020 and 2021.

• Re-watch the final, on demand, on VolleyballWorld.tv.

But the middle was critical for Conegliano, with Raphaela Folie attacking for 69% (9/13) and adding four blocks and two aces while the Netherlands' Robin de Kruijf registered 60% (6/10) in attack.

Also key to the comeback was the substitution of Miriam Sylla by USA's Megan Courtney, which slightly weakened Conegliano's reception but improved their attacking efficiency from the outside.

A couple of back-to-back aces by Raphaela Folie quickly set the pace in the tie-break and Conegliano never looked back.

Even when Eleonora Fersino produced some incredible digging to keep Novara in contention by cancelling two match points the match was too far gone at 14-11 and de Kruijf pounded away the last ball for 15-13.

The A2 Cup Final between Omag - Mt San Giovanni In Marignano and Banca Valsabbina Millenium Brescia which was originally scheduled to be played in Rome just before the Coengliano v Novara match, has been postoponed to a later date, yet to be determined, due to positive Covid-19 cases within the San Giovanni side.

Action in Italy continues on Sunday with two matches of Round 14 (as the second half of the Regular Season opens) - the remaining five games of the round already postponed due to coronavirus cases.

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