Piacenza celebrates

Havana, February 22 (RHC) - Cubans Robertlandy Simón, Marlon Yant and Roamy Alonso put in notable performances in their clubs' victories in the latest round of the Champions League quarter-finals in European volleyball.

Italy's Piacenza of Simon and Roamy had to pull out the extra to beat the strong Wegiel Jastrzebski of Poland, reigning Plusliga champions, in five sets (19-25, 30-28, 25-16, 22-25, 15-11), with contributions from the two Cubans, as well as the Cuban-born Brazilian Yoandy Leal.

Simon had 10 points, 3 blocks and 1 ace, while Alonso came off the bench and contributed 8 points, 3 blocks and a high 63 per cent efficiency on the attack.

Brazilian Ricardo Lucarelli had a great night and was the top scorer for Piacenza, with 24 points, and Leal scored 17 points.

The return leg will be played on the 28th at the home of the Polish club.

Meanwhile, Lube Civitanova achieved an important victory at the Ankara stadium against Halkbank of Turkey 3-1 (21-25, 21-25, 27-25, 22-25), in a match where Marlon Yant was one of the top scorers of his team (17 points) and a 55 per cent efficiency in attack. Alexandr Nikolov also had 17 points for Blengini's team, although passer Luciano De Cecco was voted MVP of the match.