They went to the end of their breath, moved heaven and earth, to win a battle of unparalleled harshness. This Friday evening, at the Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan in Levallois, the Mariannes 92 ended up defeating Mulhouse in five sets (23-25, 25-20, 25-21, 22-25, 15-10) and qualified for the final of the Women's League A. The end of an epic series, concluded with this support match.
Facing the Alsatian ogre, finalist of the French Championship for the last three seasons, Levallois Paris Saint-Cloud will have been stronger when it came time to conclude a titanic showdown. For the first time since its very distant ancestor Stade Français, crowned in 1960, the Ile-de-France team has a chance of snatching the title.
A monstrous defense
However, the Mariannes 92 faltered in the first set. After leading for a long time, Paris cracked in the money time, when it was time to score the points that mattered the most (23-25). But with courage, Alessandro Orefice's players overturned the table, strong in solid principles. Namely a defense of steel, embodied by the libero Juliette Gelin, impeccable on her receptions, and the central Candelaria Herrera, who distributed the counterattacks at the net.
In an exceptional match, punctuated by numerous, sometimes endless, rallies, the Mariannes 92 were able to count on the fervor of their public. More than 1,200 spectators filled the stands of the Marcel-Cerdan sports center, and were overcome by a demonic meltdown after the points scored by Paris.
Despite three other tight sets, the Ile-de-France players drew on their resources, as if driven by the dream of a final. The second set was won by a comfortable margin (25-20), as was the third (25-21). Even if they repelled a set point in the fourth, they finally gave in (22-25).
In an unbreathable tie-break, Mulhouse relied on its redoubtable American winger Carli Snyder. But, despite the latter's overpowering attacks, Levallois Paris Saint-Cloud held firm. Once again, the proactive defense of the Ile-de-France women led them to success (15-10).
In the final, the Mariannes will face Nantes, the leader of the regular season and big favorite this season. The first match of the series will be played on April 23 in Levallois, the second three days later in Loire-Atlantique. The Parisiennes, now finalists and qualified for the Champions League next season, have the right to dream big.