B M – Zurich Barbato Basilicata Nuoto 2000 – Ortigia Academy 11-12
Unlucky debut for Zurich Barbato Basilicata Nuoto 2000 which, in its first match of the season in front of its home crowd, narrowly lost to Ortigia Academy with a score of 12-11. The team led by coach Bruschini, completely renovated compared to the previous season, with eight new faces, fought point by point until the final whistle, but in the end, some mistakes in numerical superiority and a still missing cohesion weighed in. However, there are positive aspects for the white-green team, including the ability to react to every attempt to break away by the opponents and a deeper roster that can provide the coach with a wider range of tactical choices.
The match starts immediately with Di Martino, whose presence in the water is essential, given his ability to cover multiple roles. He scores from the two meters, but his usefulness extends to marking and from the perimeter. Ortigia Academy confirms the progress already shown in the previous season, with a convincing growth path of the young players. Standouts in terms of scoring are Polizzi and Bordone, but the entire team gives the image of a squad that is challenging to face for anyone. The disadvantage doesn't discourage the Sicilians, who react with a 0-3 break, nullified by D’Antonio's double in numerical superiority, commendable for his contribution despite an injury suffered during the week, just like captain Di Palma.
The match continues in the same back-and-forth pattern in the second quarter, which ends with Basilicata leading by one length (6-5) thanks to a long-distance goal by Simonetti. However, after the long break, the athletic freshness of Fazekas' boys emerges, taking advantage of some defensive mistakes by the home team, reaching once again the maximum advantage (6-8). The first two goals by Giello in the white-green cap bring the match back to equilibrium, but Ortigia Academy continues to stay ahead and in the fourth quarter, the lead expands again with Bordone's four personal goals and Polizzi's hat-trick. Musacchio's goal comes just 33" before the final horn, with Abela managing the last possession to secure the three points for his team.
ZURICH BARBATO BASILICATA NUOTO 2000 – ORTIGIA ACADEMY 11-12 (3-3, 3-2, 3-5, 2-2)
ZURICH BARBATO BASILICATA NUOTO 2000: Cecere, Di Palma, Cerchiaro, Izzo 1, Di Martino 3 (1 pen.), Fiorillo, Simonetti 2, D. Musacchio 1, Barbato, Magliulo, Giello 2 (1 pen.), D’Antonio 2, Abbate, Russo. Coach: Bruschini
ORTIGIA ACADEMY: Gibilisco, Foti, Abela, Polifemo 1, Sicali, Giacomazzi, Polizzi 3 (2 pen.), Palaia, Monaco 2, Minafro, D’Arrigo 1, Bordone 4 (2 pen.), Reina, Capillo 1. Coach: Fazekas
NOTES: Fouled out: Sicali (O), Polizzi (O), and Palaia (O) in the fourth quarter. Power Plays: Basilicata Nuoto 2000 6/16 + 2 penalties, Ortigia Academy 3/6 + 4 penalties.
Referee: Femiano
Giulio D’Onofrio
Gruppo Macchia Basilicata Nuoto 2000
