ACH Volley Ljubljana Claims a Dominant Victory on Home Ground

In the first semifinal match of the Sportklub First Volleyball League, we witnessed a clash between ACH Volley Ljubljana and Krka from Novo Mesto in Ljubljana’s Tivoli Hall. This marked the sixth encounter between the two teams this season, and just like in the previous five matches, the Ljubljana team justified their role as favorites. They now head into the return match in Novo Mesto with an excellent advantage.

Ljubljana – Tivoli Sports Hall, Attendance: 168, Referees: Sanja Miklošič, Jure Vrenko
ACH Volley Ljubljana : Krka 3 : 0 (23, 18, 15)

ACH Volley Ljubljana: Golzadeh 3, Kržič Jošt, Šket 13, Najdič, Esko, Marovt 2, Šen 8, Kržič Janž Janez 9, Kovačič (L), Štalekar 3, Pokeršnik 1, Kök 12, Kumer (L). Coach: Matjaž Hafner.

Krka: Travnik (L), Medved 1, Erpič, Mikulass 1, Kosmina 13, Bregar M. 5, Pirnar, Verdinek (L), Travnik, Glamočanin, Koncilja 5, Vidmar, Lindič, Rojnik 16, Bregar P. Coach: Tomislav Mišin.

The match started off evenly, with both teams exchanging the lead and making several unforced errors. Krka was the first to gain an advantage, as Kosmina’s successful attack secured a three-point lead (12:15), prompting coach Hafner to call the first timeout. The team from Novo Mesto held their advantage until the final phase of the set, but the Slovenian champions managed to level the score at (20:20). In the closing moments of the first set, ACH Volley Ljubljana demonstrated greater composure, sealing the set with a powerful attack from Janž Kržič through the middle (25:23).

In the second set, the reigning champions started more aggressively. An inspired Kök secured an early three-point lead with two effective attacks (7:4) and immediately followed up with an ace, extending the lead to (8:4). The Orange Dragons maintained their high intensity throughout the set, with Šket’s smart attack stretching the lead even further (18:12). Štalekar then sealed the set in a composed manner with an unstoppable quick attack, giving ACH Volley a 2-0 lead (25:18).

The third set saw total dominance from ACH Volley Ljubljana, outperforming Krka in every aspect of the game. Šen’s two aces early on pushed the home team ahead (5:1), and Kržič’s block further extended the lead (11:6). In the final moments of the match, Golzadeh delivered two powerful attacks, first earning the match point and then securing the decisive point for ACH Volley Ljubljana’s victory.

ACH Volley Ljubljana player, Jani Kovačič:
"We knew that Krka is a tricky opponent, and they proved it in the first set. Despite struggling in attack, we managed to win that crucial first set, which was vital for the rest of the match. In the second and third sets, we had full control of the game and deservedly celebrated the victory. Now, we need to confirm this success in Saturday’s away match in Novo Mesto."