New Mater Volley Castellana-Grotte Secures Andrea Orlando Boscardini for Serie A3 Season

New Mater Volley Castellana-Grotte has officially kicked off its roster construction for the upcoming Serie A3 Credem Banca season by securing the return of middle blocker Andrea Orlando Boscardini. The 25-year-old, known in the volleyball community as “The Kraken,” becomes the first confirmed player for the yellow-and-blue squad under the guidance of coach Giuseppe Barbone.

A Dominant Presence at the Net

Boscardini’s decision to renew his contract isn’t just a win for team chemistry. it’s a strategic move to retain one of the most efficient defensive players in the league. Standing at 205 cm, the Lazio-born athlete established himself as a premier middle blocker during the previous campaign.

His statistical impact speaks for itself. Over 23 appearances, Boscardini recorded:

• 203 Total Points: Averaging 8.8 points per match.
• 70 Successful Blocks: Averaging 0.84 blocks per set (3 per match).
• Elite Ranking: He finished the season in the top three for winning blocks per set across the entire category.

For those unfamiliar with the position, the middle blocker serves as the primary line of defense against opponent attacks and a critical tool for quick, deceptive offensive plays. Boscardini’s ability to consistently shut down opponents makes him a cornerstone of the Federazione Italiana Pallavolo (FIPAV) competitive landscape in Serie A3.

Strategic Continuity for Coach Giuseppe Barbone

President Michele Miccolis and Sporting Director Bruno De Mori emphasized that retaining Boscardini is about more than just numbers. The club views his return as a foundation for the team’s overall quality and mental toughness.

“Andrea was undoubtedly one of the key factors last season,” stated De Mori. “Starting with his qualities is correct not only out of gratitude but, more importantly, to consolidate the quality of the roster. He’s an athlete who consistently demonstrates energy, enthusiasm and grit.”

By locking in a top-three middle blocker early, New Mater Volley provides coach Barbone with a reliable defensive anchor, allowing the technical staff to focus on filling other gaps in the rotation with complementary talent.

Boscardini’s Perspective: Growth and Loyalty

For Boscardini, who has a history of moving between clubs—including stints at Savigliano, Garlasco, Lagonegro, Torino, and Brescia—the opportunity to stay in Castellana Grotte was a rare and welcome prospect.

The player cited the positive environment and the club’s clear vision as the primary drivers for his renewal. He noted that while he rarely spends two consecutive seasons with the same jersey, the project at New Mater Volley was too compelling to leave. His goal for the new season is to build upon the successes of the previous year to further elevate his personal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a middle blocker in volleyball?

The middle blocker is responsible for stopping the opponent’s attack (blocking) and executing fast, short-distance attacks to keep the opposing defense off-balance.

Which league does New Mater Volley Castellana-Grotte compete in?

The team competes in the Serie A3 Credem Banca, which is a professional tier of Italian men’s volleyball.

Why is this renewal significant for the team?

Securing a top-tier blocker early in the off-season allows the team to build its offensive and defensive strategies around a proven performer, reducing the risk associated with bringing in unknown external transfers.

As New Mater Volley continues to build its squad, fans can expect further announcements regarding the roster via the club’s official social media channels. With “The Kraken” back in the lineup, the team is well-positioned to compete for a top spot in the upcoming national championship.