ACH Volley Ljubljana convincing in season opener
In the opening match of the Sportklub First Volleyball League, the teams of ACH Volley Ljubljana and Črnuče competed in a city derby. In a match where the multiple national champions were considered to be the clear favourites, we saw ACH Volley dominating the match, finishing 3:0 after a good hour of play.
Ljubljana - Tivoli sports hall, 65 spectators, referees.
ACH Volley Ljubljana : Črnuče 3:0 (12, 17, 21).
ACH Volley Ljubljana: Mejal 1, Šket, Mašulović, Todorović, Bošnjak 5, Koncilja 9, Šestan 4, Kovačič (L), Gjorgiev 8, Videčnik 10, Kök 5, Šen 3. Coach: Radovan Gačič.
Črnuče: Mihelčič 1, Karadža Pevc (L), Verdinek (L), Rojnik 5, Oman 2, Sešek 7, Marovt 2, Jančič, Valenčič 6, Ramšak, Češnovar 5. Coach: Iztok Kšela.
The opening of the match was quite even, with ACH Volley players managing to take a two-point lead (9:7) after two successful attacks by Koncilja. The playful Koncilja made it three points lead with an ace, while Videčnik made it four points with a successful attack. The home players increased their rhythm and with an excellent block they increased the advantage to five points (15:10). The reaction of the visiting coach Kšela and a half-minute break followed. This did not stop the onslaught of the multiple national champions, who increased their lead significantly on Gjorgiev's serve (20:10) and the opening set was practically decided. It ended in favour of the Dragons after a service error by Marovt (25:12).
The start of the second set was similar to the first set. The more experienced ACH Volley Ljubljana quickly started to put pressure on the serve and caused the young team from Črnuče a lot of problems. This time, Šestan's strong serve gave the Dragons a four-point lead (12:8) and a reaction on the visitors' bench. Even after the break, the situation on the Hala Tivoli court did not change much. The Črnuče volleyball team had too many problems in the reception to keep in touch with the lively Ljubljana players, who kept increasing their lead until the end of the set. The set ended after a successful attack by Videčnik (25:17).
In the third set, ACH Volley managed to escape quickly (11:6) and after an attacking error by Šešek, gained a six-point advantage (13:7). Despite the deficit, the Črnuče team did not give up and managed to get within a point on Oman's serve (17:16). The home team responded and with a calm game they took the third set to their advantage and thus recorded their first championship victory. Videčnik closed the match with a block (25:21).
Statement by ACH Volley Ljubljana coach Radovan Gačič: »"I am satisfied with the performance today, as the players showed determination and a high level of motivation, which was a highlight throughout the match. I am especially happy that all our players who don't play so often got a chance to play and they took it very well."