The Béziers Angels libero looked back on the team’s performance in the Challenge Cup played last week in Rome. Although European qualification was not the end of the adventure, Manon Bernard is positive about the benefits of such an experience.
These were the team’s first steps in an official competition, what feeling prevails after this third place in the tournament?
It was a bit of a roller coaster! We started against the Spanish team from Heidelberg with some good performances, but also some tougher moments. Of course, it’s only the beginning and we’re not used to it. We reacted well afterwards in the last group match against Kiele to qualify for the last four.
The final phase, did you go through all the emotions?
Indeed, against Rome who played on their home court, we had the first set in our hands. Unfortunately, we lost the thread and lost in the end, even if it was close. There was still the classification match against Terville-Florange with a great fight to win this last match. With this success, we also gained a psychological advantage before our confrontation in the championship. Confidence is there, our volleyball is slowly getting into place.
What areas worked and what areas need improvement at this stage of the season?
I think that the quality of our service was there in all the matches. On the other hand, let’s be more focused in order to avoid the series of mistakes that we have been able to observe. We hurt ourselves by chaining certain mistakes and these are details that will need to be improved.
This type of trip lasting a few days should strengthen cohesion and bonds in a group that has moved during the off-season?
We spent a whole week together. It was important in our preparation to experience moments together. Afterwards, it was not a friendly tournament either, we had come to perform by putting all our chances on our side with such an organization.
Could the European plateau represented also allow for development in several aspects?
Personally, it was the first time I played against an Italian Serie A team like Roma. It’s always useful to play against them, because it allows everyone to develop some experience, even if we didn’t manage to qualify for a European cup.
Time for the championship and the next reception of Chamalières at the sports palace on September 28?
After our return from Italy, the week will necessarily be shortened for preparation. We will use everything we have been able to store during this Challenge Cup to save time. Let’s manage fatigue, and make sure we are in good shape for this meeting.
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