No surprise so far in the 7th leg of French league: almost all teams in the upper part of ranking claimed straight sets victories. Only Venelles, playing away, on the court of St-Raphaël stumbeled in the second set to win after four acts.
Cannes achieved a clear-cut victory against Istres cementing their first place right after the 7th leg of the regular season. An obvious victory that allowed Yan Fang to introduce the international Dutch receiver, Maret Grotheus, away from the court for ten months, due to an Achilles tendon injury.
It was the night of the leaders, Le Cannet claimed their fifth consecutive victory which keeps them in the fight for the second place, close to Nantes. Final score Le Cannet – Vannes 3-0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-17). Nantes, on their side, could not afford to make a mistake after last week’s wash out. Nantes were definitely superior on all levels, looking like the team that made their homework before. Amazingly lead by Melisa Callo (13 points) and Angie Bland, Nantes scored an easy home win against Paris St-Cloud, only to keep their second position sharing 17 points with following Le Cannet. Paris, on their side, fought back with Nina Coolman (11 points) and an amazing Lisa Menet-Haure in defense. Mulhouse and Béziers, 4th and 5th place respectively, were keeping up the pace imposed by leaders; both teams claimed victories and therefore three more points. While Mulhouse recorded a straight sets win over last placed Le Hainaut, Béziers managed to pass over Terville in four acts.
The last game of the weekend set face to face two teams fighting for survival: Venelles and St. Raphaël. Without their libero, the charismatic Laura Ong, temporarily replaced by Camille Crousillat, Venelles claimed a 3-1 away win over newly promoted St. Raphaël. Saturday’s victory bounces Venelles back on the 9th place, three points away from following Terville.
Photo: Pascal Mistral
