Levallois Paris Saint-Cloud eliminated the Alsatian team in the third and final match of the French championship semi-finals at the Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan on Friday.
They pushed themselves to the limit, moving heaven and earth, to win a battle of unparalleled toughness. On Friday evening, at the Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan in Levallois, the Mariannes 92 finally overcame Mulhouse in five sets (23-25, 25-20, 25-21, 22-25, 15-10) to qualify for the final of the Ligue A Féminine. The end of an epic series, concluded by this decisive match.
Faced with the Alsatian ogre, runner-up in the French championship for the last three seasons, Levallois Paris Saint-Cloud were the stronger side when it came to concluding a titanic tug-of-war. For the first time in their history, the team from Paris Saint-Cloud have progressed beyond the semi-finals and have a chance of snatching the title.
A monstrous defense
"It's so fucking good," says Juliette Gelin. The Parisian libero did her utmost on the pitch, true to her fighting spirit at all times. "I'm so proud of the team. We didn't win this match on individual merit, it was a collective performance. We have so much confidence. We won in a tie-break, so we know what adversity is like."
However, the Mariannes 92 faltered in the first set. After leading for a long time, Paris cracked in the money time, when it came to scoring the points that counted most (23-25). But Alessandro Orefice's courageous players turned the tables, building on solid principles. These included a steely defense, embodied by libero Juliette Gelin, impeccable in her receptions, and center Candelaria Herrera, who distributed counter-attacks to the net.
In an exceptional match, punctuated by numerous, sometimes interminable rallies, the Mariannes 92 were able to count on the fervor of their fans. Over 1,200 spectators packed the stands of the Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan, and were gripped by a demonic meltdown after the points scored by Paris.
Despite three further tight sets, the Franciliennes drew on their resources, as if animated by the dream of a final. The second set was won by a comfortable margin (25-20), as was the third (25-21). Although they held off a set point in the fourth, they finally succumbed (22-25).
In an unbreathable tie-break, Mulhouse relied on their formidable American winger Carli Snyder. But despite the latter's super-powerful assaults, Levallois Paris Saint-Cloud held firm. Once again, the Franciliennes' proactive defense led to success (15-10).
In the final, the Mariannes will face Nantes, the regular-season leader and this season's big favorite. The first match in the series will be played on Tuesday April 23 in Levallois, with the second three days later in Loire-Atlantique. The Parisians, now finalists and qualified for next season's Champions League, have the right to dream big.
Alessandro Orefice, coach of Levallois Paris Saint-Cloud, is already thinking about the final: "We've done something historic for the club. I asked the girls to stay together, to give every last drop of blood. Tonight (Friday), we're not going to celebrate, we're already thinking about the duel against Nantes. Tomorrow(Saturday), we have a video session at 9am. In the final, anything can happen, between the two strongest teams in the league."