At the end of a grueling season, the Mariannes 92 are savoring their first trophy, won this Friday at the expense of the favorite Neptunes de Nantes.
Juliette Gelin, Mariannes 92 libero: "I wasn't expecting this, but I signed for Paris because I liked the coach's ambitions. At the start of the season, you want to win everything and be champion of France, but it's different to do it, we've struggled so much this season! We've played 43 games and I don't know how we're still standing. It was this staff that carried us through the season, we stuck together, there was no war of egos, just professionalism and passion. It's the first time I've experienced this. We'll be celebrating in Levallois on Saturday, but first, let's get out there!"
Alessandro Orefice, Mariannes 92 coach: "The final is a match apart, and with this formula, we knew that 3-0 at home was useless. To win here (in Nantes), in front of this crowd, is incredible. We're champions of France, so I'll be able to rest for four days. Our mentality is not to give up, to stick together in difficult times. We showed our character and our face. Nantes was the team to beat, but nothing is impossible. Unfortunately, this group isn't staying. We've built up something important over two years, both technically and emotionally, and because we've worked so hard, the players are moving on to bigger leagues. It's going to be a different team, and now the pressure's on!"
Amélie Rotar, Nantes Neptunes catcher-attacker: " (in tears) It's the emotion that's wearing off, you realize it's all over. I'm very disappointed not to bring home a second trophy, but also very sad to be leaving this team and these fans. Paris played very well, but we didn't manage to finish off the second set, which could have made a big difference. We have our share of responsibility.
Amandine Giardino, Nantes libero and captain: "We've had a historic season, we had the cards in our hands by playing at home, but we didn't do it. What's hard is that there was hope, unlike in the first game (lost 3-0 at Levallois on Tuesday). We had our team back, we were rolling, we had our energy, we were aggressive, and we're starting to make mistakes for lack of lucidity. I can't explain it. We gave them hope again, and at 23-all (in the second set), there was no more volleyball, it was a small ball that hit the net, an extra defense... The momentum was on their side."