Novara’s Stinging Comeback: Mayu Ishikawa Orchestrates Courmayeur Cup Victory in Thrilling Preseason Clash

Igor Gorgonzola Novara players celebrate their hard-fought victory at the Courmayeur Cup.

The Italian women`s volleyball season has officially ignited, not with a whimper, but with a bang that echoed through the alpine valleys of Courmayeur. The preseason Courmayeur Cup, a tournament traditionally offering a taste of the fierce competition to come, delivered a narrative worthy of a championship final. At its heart was Igor Gorgonzola Novara, who, led by the indomitable spirit and exceptional skill of Japanese outside hitter Mayu Ishikawa, staged a comeback for the ages, securing the trophy in a dramatic five-set thriller.

The Gathering of Titans: Courmayeur Cup as a Proving Ground

The picturesque setting of Courmayeur once again played host to an early, yet potent, clash of Italian volleyball titans. The second edition of this prestigious preseason event brought together four of the Lega Volley Femminile Serie A1`s most formidable forces: Novara, the reigning champions Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano, Numia Vero Volley Milano, and Savino Del Bene Scandicci. For these clubs, the Cup was far more than a casual warm-up; it was a critical opportunity to test new lineups, gauge team cohesion, and send a clear message to their rivals before the official league season commences.

Novara`s path to the final was a testament to their early-season form, as they navigated a challenging semifinal against Conegliano, dispatching the champions in four hard-fought sets. This victory not only propelled them into the grand finale but also underscored their serious intentions for the 2025-2026 season.

The Grand Finale: A Masterclass in Resilience

Saturday`s final against Savino Del Bene Scandicci was a rollercoaster of emotions and an exhibition of elite-level volleyball. The match began with Scandicci seizing control, confidently claiming the first two sets with scores of 25-21 and 26-24. Novara found themselves in a precarious position, staring down a 0-2 deficit, with the trophy seemingly slipping through their grasp. It was the kind of scenario where lesser teams might falter, but Novara, it seems, had other plans.

Mayu Ishikawa: The Architect of an Unforgettable Turnaround

As the momentum threatened to irrevocably shift, a singular force emerged to turn the tide: Mayu Ishikawa. The captain of Japan’s national team showcased her world-class talent, becoming the undeniable driving force behind Novara’s resurgence. With an astounding 20 points, every single one a meticulously placed or powerfully driven kill, Ishikawa’s offensive prowess was simply breathtaking. Her calm demeanor under immense pressure and her ability to consistently find angles and gaps in Scandicci`s defense chipped away at their lead, reigniting the flame of hope for Novara.

Ishikawa’s heroics were beautifully complemented by her teammates` collective effort. American opposite Taylor Mims, stepping off the bench, proved to be a game-changer, contributing 15 crucial points (14 kills, one block). Fellow American middle blocker Amber Igiede and German outside hitter Lina Alsmeier each added 11 points, solidifying Novara’s attack and defense. Together, they engineered a phenomenal reverse sweep, battling back to take the next three sets 26-24, 25-23, and a decisive 15-13 in the tie-break, culminating in a triumphant roar that echoed their sheer will to win.

Even in defeat, Scandicci`s stars shone brightly. Olympic and world champion Ekaterina Antropova was an unstoppable force, topping all scorers with an incredible 26 points (22 kills, two blocks, two aces). New American signing Avery Skinner also impressed with 17 points. However, their individual brilliance was ultimately outshone by Novara`s collective comeback story.

Coach Bernardi`s Pragmatic Perspective: A Pinch of Salt with the Sweet Victory

In the aftermath of such a thrilling, hard-fought victory, one might expect celebratory declarations and bold predictions. However, Novara`s head coach, Lorenzo Bernardi, offered a refreshingly grounded perspective, reminding everyone that while the win was sweet, it was merely a prelude:

“This tournament was our first opportunity to have our complete roster against opponents of a very high level. 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 from the first day to the second. 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.”

Bernardi’s pragmatic outlook, delivered with a hint of seasoned irony, serves as a crucial reminder: the Courmayeur Cup is a significant morale booster and a valuable barometer, but the true test of mettle—and the truly “important” hardware—awaits in the demanding Lega Volley Femminile A1 season. It`s a champion`s mindset: celebrate the small victories, but never lose sight of the bigger war.

The Broader Competitive Landscape: Everyone`s Raising Their Game

The Courmayeur Cup also provided valuable insights into the competitive landscape of Italian women`s volleyball. Last year`s champions, Conegliano, after falling to Novara, secured the bronze medal by defeating Milano 3-1. Offensive powerhouses Isabelle Haak (21 points) and Gabriela `Gabi` Guimarães (16 points) led Conegliano, reaffirming their status as a top contender.

Gabi Guimarães herself underscored the tournament`s importance, stating, “This is a very important tournament for us to understand where we are and where we need to improve as we get to play against the top teams in the country… It`s going to be a difficult season, and the expectations are very high. I think all three teams playing here are stronger than they were last year, and we’ll need to work harder if we want to win the Italian League another time.” Milano’s efforts were spearheaded by superstar opposite Paola Egonu (14 points) and Khalia Lanier (11 points), further illustrating the depth of talent across the league.

A Season Set to Explode

As the echoes of the Courmayeur Cup settle, a palpable sense of anticipation hangs in the air. Igor Gorgonzola Novara`s thrilling comeback, orchestrated by the sublime talent of Mayu Ishikawa, has undoubtedly set a formidable tone for the 2025-2026 Lega Volley Femminile A1 season. With the official league start slated for October 6, fans can now keenly anticipate a season brimming with intense rivalries, dramatic matches, and world-class volleyball. If this preseason tournament is any indication, Italian women`s volleyball is poised to deliver another unforgettable spectacle.