ASPTT Mulhouse, which has deplored Covid cases at the beginning of the year and is still waiting for its new American recruit (Yossiana Pressley) to compensate for Ivana Vanjak's departure, had no illusions when hosting Monza. The first set, during which Mulhouse never led, was a perfect reflection of the Lombardy superiority. On two attacks from Anna Haak (5-5) and Kimberly Drewniok (6-6), Mulhouse obtained their only two scores of parity. But, under the impulse of Alessia Orro on serve, Monza made the break (7-9, 7-14). And the 7-point gap was still there at the end when Alessia Gennari won the first set point for Lombardy (18-25).
The rest of the match was a bit more contested. After a good start to the set by Lise Van Hecke (2-7, 5-10), ASPTT Mulhouse reacted well. Until leading on an attack of Anna Haak (19-18) and on a winning counter of Kimberly Drewniok (18-17). Pia Kästner, at the block, delayed the deadline (22-23) but without preventing the conclusion of Katarina Lazovic (22-25).
Throwing all its forces into the battle, ASPTT Mulhouse took control of the debates. Léandra Olinga Andela on the counter (9-7), Anna Haak on the attack (10-8), Amanda Coneo at the net (11-9, 13-11, 14-12) kept the local hope alive. At least, until Hanna Davyskiba's counter win that reversed the course of the 3rd set (14-15). As in the first set, Alessia Orro took the serve at 16-17 to be at the origin of the last Italian break (16-23) before the coup de grace brought by Anna Danesi (18-25). Thanks to this clean sweep, Monza has taken a serious option for the qualification to the quarterfinals.