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VB NANTES achieved a bittersweet ending to the second leg of the competition in Pool B, as the tournament hosts sought to win their last match in this edition of Champions League. The French team stood opposite of Slovenian Calcit Volley Kamnik, as both teams suffered two upsets at the hands of Conegliano and Fenerbahce teams earlier in the week. Nantes kept the third position in the table, ending the 4th Round with six points, while Kamnik were unable to secure a victory, and finish fourth in the table.

It was a confident opening by Calcit Volley Kamnik, who took the lead from the first moments of the first set. Expanding the gap to 6-13 and carrying it until 16-21, Slovenians were sure to finish this part in their favour, but Nantes crept back slowly, decreasing the point difference. Kamnik took the first end in the end at 22-25. Nantes responded immediately from the second set, taking charge at 8-5 - this time the leading team kept the increasing point difference until the end, claiming a set at 25-19. The third set proved tight between both sides, as they kept the score close between each other, until 21-19. Only then Nantes managed to jump ahead, taking the third set at 25-20. While the hosting team led on the scoreboard, Olivera Kostic remained the top scorer with 14 points for Kamnik after three sets. The fourth set was a whirlwind of action, as the lead kept sliding from one side of the net to another - Slovenians went 4-8 ahead, but the French club soon turned it into a 16-12 in their favour. The four-point gap was maintained until last moments of the match, as Nantes sealed the victory at 25-21.

• The first match of this third and last day of the tournament strongly resembled a final of the losers in this group B. VB Nantes and Calcit Kamnik delivered a good last show before leaving the competition.

• Lauren SCHAD's teammates, who won 3-0 in the first leg in December, confirmed their superiority over the Slovenian team at home, by winning 3-1 in what was a closer match, as the first set was one in the favour of Kamnik. 

• The MVP of the match award went to American outside spiker Carli Snyder who distinguished herself with 20 points scored including 2 winning blocks, 17 winning spikes and one ace.

• For partners, supporters, volunteers and the entire Nantes club, this victory is a real reward for the investment devoted to the smooth running of this huge European event organised in Nantes.

• If tonight, VB Nantes has just signed its 6th success in its club history in the Champions League, Calcit Kamnik will have to win another participation in the most prestigious European competition to try to obtain a first historic victory - Nantes club wishes the Slovenian club all the best in that journey. 

Andjelka Radiskovic, outside spiker of Calcit Volley Kamnik: ”Today we had a great opportunity to win. We started very well and finished the first set in our favour. In the second we started badly, we had problems with reception and unfortunately lost it. I think this second set was decisive for today’s match. The French have a very good team and play very good volleyball. They have also proved this in the past two days against Conegliano and Fenerbahce. Unfortunately, we ran out of luck, we made too many mistakes, and those mistakes were fatal for us.”

Lauren Schad, middle-blocker of VB Nantes: "We are very tired after these 3 games in 3 days but the team is very happy about tonight's result. It is a great opportunity for us to keep all the good that we showed this week and bring it to the French league. We have raised our level since the beginning of the tournament and finally won a game. We wanted to win tonight because we knew we had the ability and we've already beaten them before. Now, let's keep the team spirit for the end of the season and work very hard to be able to qualify for next year."

Cyril Ong, Coach of VB Nantes: "We gave a lot on and off the court these past days and obviously, this was expected to be one of the toughest game physically and mentally. So it wasn't a surprise. Even if we had not played at our best level in some moments, we'll keep in mind our determination. Ending this tournament with a victory is so special for the team, for the club and all the volunteers. We are gonna take some time to think about all the lessons we've learn this week and go back to championship soon."