RC Cannes Women 2-3 Le Cannet Women: Five-Set Classic Decides Riviera Bragging Rights

RC Cannes Women and Le Cannet Women produced one of the most memorable Coupe de France encounters of September 2020, with Le Cannet edging a five-set thriller 3-2 (sets and score lines tight throughout) after a match that stretched deep into the night. The late-night clash on September 20, 2020, was a showcase of attacking volleyball, defensive grit, and the kind of momentum swings that make the Coupe de France Women so compelling.

Match Overview

In a battle between two French Riviera rivals, Cannes came out firing, taking an early lead in the match by capitalizing on Le Cannet's sluggish start. However, Le Cannet responded like a team with designs on a deep cup run, adjusting their block-and-defense structure and levelling the match by the end of the second set. From there, the contest turned into a genuine arm wrestle, with both sides exchanging long rallies and emotional outbursts.

Key Moments

• Cannes' strong start: The home side’s serving pressure forced two early Le Cannet timeouts. Cannes took the opening set 25-21 behind a confident offense.
• Le Cannet's tactical shift: Introducing a quicker middle tempo changed the geometry of the game, and Le Cannet claimed the second set to tie the match.
• The deciding fifth set: With the crowd at fever pitch, Le Cannet edged ahead on a crucial block-and-counter sequence at 13-13, then closed out the match on their first match point.

Standout Players

Le Cannet's opposite hitter was unstoppable in the clutch, delivering back-to-back kills in the fourth and fifth sets. Their captain led from the serving line, recording multiple aces in the decisive moments. Cannes, meanwhile, saw a standout performance from their veteran middle blocker, who repeatedly rejected Le Cannet’s sharp attacks but ultimately lacked support in the final stretch.

Implications for the Coupe de France

This result gives Le Cannet a huge psychological boost early in the 2020-21 campaign. Winning after falling behind in a cup match is the mark of a mature squad, and their ability to adapt mid-match will be praised by coaches across France. For RC Cannes Women, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, especially in front of their own fans. However, taking a top opponent to five sets proves that the club remains a competitive force, even if consistency remains their biggest challenge.

Matches like this are what make the Coupe de France Women a special tournament — full of passion, local pride, and exceptional volleyball.