Chalon – Rennes 3-2
Le VBC Chalon had long been marking this end-of-season meeting against a Rennes team just ahead of them in the standings. However, VBCC struggled in reception and did not start well (5-11). Stepnov and Barbier tried to get their team back on track (16-19). But the damage was done (21-25).
Refreshed, Chalon came out strong in the second set and did not let go, as seen in Dos Santos’s two majestic blocks (13-8). The home team had a scare (22-21), until Wang-Si, replacing Larrieu up front, made an impact on a pass from Chauvin (25-22).
13 set points
In the third set, both teams engaged in an intense back-and-forth. Like Chauvin, the Chalon captain, who was well-inspired with a subtle touch that woke up the crowd (13-14). Barbier, then Provensi after a crazy rally, took charge (24-22). The set ended just as dramatically with a staggering 13 set points for VBCC. Dos Santos then, with a crucial block, brought the house down (36-34).
Chalon took the lead. The duel continued in the fourth set, and the visitors fought back (18-22). Stepnov seemed to show the way with a powerful block (23-22), but Chalon slipped away to a tie-break (23-25).
Mission accomplished
Once again, Chalon and Rennes were neck and neck (7-6). Boosted by an ace from Chauvin, Chalon made a crucial move (9-6). Wang-Si and Dos Santos were ruthless at the net (13-8). VBCC eventually sealed the deal with Rennes’s 21st service fault (15-11). A satisfying victory for the Chalon team against a direct competitor.
In Chalon (Maison des sports), Chalon beats Rennes 3-2 (21-25, 25-22, 36-34, 23-25, 15-11).
