Osniel Mergarejo

Havana, March 23 (RHC) - Cuban Osniel Mergarejo had a dream day and his club, Alianza Milano, handed Perugia its first loss of the season in the Italian volleyball Super League playoffs.

In a five-set match, Mergarejo scored 22 points to beat the previously undefeated Perugia of Cubans Wilfredo Leon (Polish nationalized, 29) and Jesus Herrera (9).

With the win, Milano evened the quarterfinal series 1-1 against Perugia.

For their part, Verona overcame Lube Civitanova 3-2, whose top scorer was Cuban Marlon Yant (17). Verona now leads the series 2-0.

Despite 25 points from Cuban-born Brazilian Yoandy Leal, Piacenza lost in 5 sets to Modena, which put the quarterfinal series 2-0 in their favor.

Star player Robertlandy Simon left with 9 points for Piacenza.

Finally, the game between Trentino and Monza, where there are no Cuban players, ended 3-1 in favor of the latter.