“It was a roller coaster!”: Manon Bernard, the libero of the Béziers Angels, looks back on the tournament in Rome

Les Béziers Angels ont terminé à la troisième place du tournoi disputé à Rome dans le cadre de la Challenge Cup. Théo Griffet Béziers Angels

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 was only the beginning and we weren't used to it. We reacted well afterwards in the last group match against Kiele to qualify for the last four.

The final phase, you went through all the emotions?

Indeed, against Rome who were playing 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 took a psychological advantage before our confrontation in the championship. Confidence is there, our volleyball is slowly getting into place.

What are the areas that worked and those that need to be refined 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 making a series of mistakes and these are details that 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.

The European field represented could also allow us to evolve on several aspects?

Personally, it was the first time I played against an Italian Serie A team like Roma. It's always useful to try it out, because it allows everyone to develop some experience, even if we didn't manage to qualify for a European cup.

Let's get to the championship and the next reception of Chamalières at the Palais des Sports on September 28th?

After our return from Italy, the week will necessarily be shortened for preparation. We will use everything we were able to store up during this Challenge Cup to save time. Let's manage the fatigue, and make sure we're in good shape for this meeting.

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