Tenerife Libby’s LA LAGUNA misses out on epic comeback win

On Wednesday night, Tenerife Libby’s LA LAGUNA almost achieved an epic performance but eventually failed to qualify for 8th Finals of the women’s CEV Cup after losing 2-3 their re-match with Crvena Zvezda BEOGRAD. In the fourth set, the Spaniards were close to making it to a decisive Golden Set after almost making up for the 0-3 loss they suffered last week in Serbia.

The players coached by Miguel Rivera performed with much courage and resilience until the end in front of more than 1,000 fans at the Santiago Martín stadium. Crvena Zvezda edged ahead 8-5 in the first set, but the hosts turned the score around at 12-11. Afterwards, the score remained close until 19-all before Crvena Zvezda powered to a 25-21 win.

At this stage, Tenerife Libby’s LA LAGUNA had to win three sets in a row if they were to go for a Golden Set. They were ahead (10-7, 14-9) in the second set and Crvena Zvezda this time could not find a way back. A great block by Shealyn McNamara brought the set win closer at 23-18, before the hosts wrapped it up at 25-23. After trailing early in the third set, and later as well, LA LAGUNA fought back to lead 22-20 and a real drama unfolded as Crvena Zvezda levelled the score at 23-all. A block by Ariadna Priante Frances ended up deciding the set for the blue-and-white team (27-25). The teams exchanged the lead back and forth in the fourth set. However, Crvena Zvezda eventually broke away (20-14) before six straight points by LA LAGUNA kept the fans standing on their feet as the score stood at 20-all. Linda Costa registered a block, and by then the hosts were only three points away from the Golden Set. The tension was rising with each rally and eventually Crvena Zvezda had the upper hand at 25-23, thereby securing their promotion to the 8th Finals. 

The locals, far from throwing in the towel, started the fifth set still with much energy, but their opponents from Serbia eventually prevailed 15-11 to close a drama-filled night.