“It’s not a question of results, but of performance. Mentally, we weren’t ready.” Hokkaido fails its first real test.

Hokkaido Bologna 0Novavolley Loreto 3(20-25, 22-25, 20-25)

HOKKAIDO BOLOGNA: Falzone 1, Ricci Maccarini 10, Ronchi 8, Bernardis 13, Bandieri 3, Russello 4, Serenari (L1); Tito 2, Tapparo 4, Rivola 1, Branco. Not on: Gamberini, De Cocinis, Marani (L2). Coach: De Marco.

NOVAVOLLEY LORETO: Campana 5, Torregiani 14, Sarzi Sartori 12, Ujkaj 10, Sassi 4, Magini 14, Dignani (L1); Zazzarini 1. Not on: Marchetti, Papa, Sampaolesi, Forconi. Coach: Iurisci.

Referees: Libralesso and Bragato.

Hokkaido failed The first real test of maturity of the season: whether it’s a fear of flying or the sin of presumption, the next few games will tell, starting with the away match in San Marino this weekend. What’s certain is that the Rossoblù never really got into the game at home against Loreto, there was no competition, and coach Roberto De Marco’s comment suggests that, even before the game, the feeling is that something has gone wrong mentally.

This was confirmed by an initial post-match locker room exchange between the players. “I can’t be satisfied, and it’s not a question of the result, but of the performance. We did some good things in fits and starts; we were in the game in the second set and were ahead in the third. But if you’re up 8-4 and you concede eight consecutive points with three aces, it means you’re not in the right frame of mind.”

Roberto De Marco described a match in which Hokkaido was lacking individually, with several players not performing at their best: this can happen. Loreto beats strong and took advantage of it, the first set slipped away and in the second the guests made their experience count in the final sprint.

But Bologna doesn’t respond, doesn’t try, and doesn’t know how to suffer, with balls falling without trying to defend, on set-up situations. And in the third set, the collapse comes when Hokkaido finally seems in the game and ready to get back into the match, with a run of 8-0 and then 10-2 for the visitors. It will be a week of reflection. Reflections that began at the end of the match, when captain Ronchi calls his teammates into the locker room for a brief discussion after an inescapable defeat.

The other matches: Querzoli Forlì-Cavallino 4Torri Ferrara 3-0, Don Celso Fermo-M&G Grottazzolina 0-3, Sab Group Rubicone-Montorio 3-0, Sios Novavetro San Severino-Sabini Falconara 2-3, Consar Pietro Pezzi Bologna-Beach&Park San Marino 0-3, Paoloni Macerata-Libertas Osimo 1-3.

The standings: Libertas Osimo 8; Sab Group Rubicone, Querzoli Forlì 7; Novavolley Loreto, Paoloni Macerata, Cavallino 4Torri Ferrara, Hokkaido Bologna, M&G Grottazolina 6; Beach&Park San Marino 5; Sios Novavetro San Severino 4; Sabini Falconara 2; Don Celso Fermo, Consar Pietro Pezzi Ravenna, Montorio 0.