Marlon Yant on the attack with La Lube

Havana, March 7 (RHC) - Cuban Marlon Yant was the top scorer for La Lube Civitanova against Monza, but could not prevent his team's defeat in four sets (3-1), in a discreet day for Cuban volleyball players in the beginning of the Italian Superliga volleyball playoffs.

Marlon scored 16 points, with two blocks and an ace and a 46 percent efficiency in reception, but his team was outplayed in every line by Monza, led by Eric Lopecki, selected MVP with 28 points and a 60 percent efficiency in attack.

Meanwhile, star Robertlandy Simón contributed 13 points for Piacenza, but could not prevent his team's 5-set loss to Milan. The Cuban giant left with 13 points with a 58 percent attacking efficiency, 4 blocks and an ace.

Osniel Mergarejo scored only one point as he did not start for Milan, which had its mainstays in Belgian Ferre Reggers (18 points), Japanese Yuki Ishikawa (17) and Italian Marco Vitelli (16, 6 of them in blocks).

In the other matches of the quarterfinal opener in the world's best volleyball league, Trentino swept Monaco 3-0 and Perugia edged Verona 3-1.

The trio of Kamil Rychlicki (15), Alessandro Michieletto (14) and Daniele Lavia (13) stood out for Trentino. Lavia deserved the distinction of MVP.

For Modena, Cuban nationalized Italian Osmany Juantorena scored 8 points.

In Perugia's victory, the Polish Kamil Semeniuk (24) and the Tunisian Wassin Ben Tara (18) stood out, the latter the MVP for his great attacking efficiency (65%) and 3 blocks. Wilfredo Leon played as a substitute and barely scored a single unit, while left-handed Jesus Herrera barely saw action as a substitute in one set and went without units.

The quarterfinal playoffs of the Italian Superliga will continue on Sunday.