Courmayeur, Italy – The Italian women`s volleyball landscape received an early, emphatic declaration this past weekend as Igor Gorgonzola Novara defied expectations, staging an extraordinary comeback to seize the Courmayeur Cup. Far from a mere warm-up, this preseason tournament, featuring four of Italy`s elite clubs, delivered a potent cocktail of high-stakes drama and exceptional individual performances, setting a formidable precedent for the Lega Volley Femminile Serie A1 season.
The Road to Redemption
Novara`s path to glory was anything but straightforward. Their journey began with a convincing victory over the reigning champions, Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano, in the semifinals. This four-set triumph signaled their intent, but the true test of their mettle arrived in Saturday`s final against Savino Del Bene Scandicci. What unfolded was a narrative of resilience, a testament to the unpredictable nature of top-tier volleyball.
Scandicci, with Olympic and world champion Ekaterina Antropova leading their charge, appeared poised for victory, comfortably securing the first two sets (25-21, 24-26). The atmosphere, thick with the scent of an impending defeat for Novara, suddenly shifted. The crowd witnessed what is often described as a “reverse sweep,” a term whispered with reverence in sports when a team claws its way back from a seemingly insurmountable 0-2 deficit to claim a 3-2 victory. Novara did precisely that, battling point for point, set for set, to clinch the remaining frames (26-24, 25-23, 15-13).
Ishikawa`s Masterclass: A Japanese Spark Ignites Italy
At the heart of Novara`s resurgence was Japan`s national team captain, Mayu Ishikawa. Her performance was nothing short of a masterclass, delivering a match-high 20 points, all derived from powerful kills. Ishikawa`s ability to consistently find angles and pierce Scandicci`s defense proved instrumental, a clear statement of her influence and offensive prowess. She was the undeniable catalyst, transforming a desperate situation into a celebrated triumph.
Supporting Ishikawa were other significant contributors. American opposite Taylor Mims, coming off the bench, provided a crucial spark with 15 points (14 kills, 1 block), showcasing her dynamic attacking game. Middle blocker Amber Igiede and German outside hitter Lina Alsmeier each added 11 points, rounding out a balanced offensive effort that ultimately overwhelmed their opponents.
Head coach Lorenzo Bernardi, while undoubtedly pleased, offered a pragmatic perspective. “This tournament was our first opportunity to have our complete roster against opponents of a very high level,” Bernardi stated. “The response was very good. Obviously, these matches don`t count for the Italian League, but winning is always very positive for the team and shows that we are working well and going in the right direction. The team knew how to fight and showed good improvement… But it`s still a preseason tournament and we need to keep our feet on the ground because we haven`t won anything really important yet.” A healthy dose of realism, perhaps, but one can imagine a knowing smile behind the measured words.
Scandicci`s Strong Start, Conegliano`s Consolation
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Scandicci`s performance was notable. Ekaterina Antropova, a force of nature, recorded an astounding 26 points (22 kills, 2 blocks, 2 aces), proving why she is a world-class talent. New American signing Avery Skinner also impressed with 17 points, suggesting Scandicci will be a formidable contender in the season proper.
Meanwhile, last year`s champions, Conegliano, after their semifinal stumble against Novara, secured the bronze medal by defeating Numia Vero Volley Milano 3-1 (25-19, 25-17, 21-25, 25-14). Isabelle Haak led Conegliano with 21 points, ably supported by Gabriela `Gabi` Guimarães with 16. Gabi reflected on the tournament`s significance: “This is a very important tournament for us to understand where we are and where we need to improve… We didn`t play well in the semifinals, but did a better job today… But that`s what preseason is for, and we also used the tournament to test some combinations and some players.” Milano`s efforts were spearheaded by star opposite Paola Egonu (14 points) and Khalia Lanier (11 points).
Gearing Up for the Main Event
The Courmayeur Cup, while a curtain-raiser, has undeniably intensified anticipation for the 2025-2026 Lega Volley Femminile Serie A1 season. Novara`s unexpected triumph, fueled by Ishikawa`s brilliance and a collective never-say-die attitude, sends a clear message to their rivals: they are a force to be reckoned with. The competitive level, as observed by Gabi, appears to be escalating, promising a challenging and exhilarating season ahead.
With the Italian League scheduled to commence on October 6, fans now have a compelling preview of the battles to come. If preseason is any indication, Italian women`s volleyball is set to deliver another season of breathtaking rallies, tactical masterstrokes, and unforgettable comebacks. The stage is set; let the real games begin.
