ACH Volley Ljubljana Triumphs Once Again in Novo Mesto
In the 13th round of the Sportklub First Volleyball League, fans in Novo Mesto once again witnessed a match between the home team, Krka, and the visiting ACH Volley Ljubljana. Despite managing to snatch a set, the Krka players were no match for the dominant Ljubljančani, who claimed their 13th consecutive league victory by winning the remaining three sets convincingly.
Novo Mesto – Marof Sports Hall, Attendance: 120, Referees: Matjaž Hafnar, Anton Pevc
Krka : ACH Volley Ljubljana 1 : 3 (-14, 19, -11, -19)
Krka: Travnik (L), Medved 3, Mikulass 4, Kosmina 9, Bregar M. 12, Verdinek (L), Travnik 5, Glamočanin 2, Koncilja 5, Vidmar, Lindič, Rojnik 2, Bregar P.
Coach: Tomislav Mišin
ACH Volley Ljubljana: Golzadeh 16, Kržič Jošt 7, Najdič 7, Esko, Marovt 3, Šen 24, Kržič Janž Janez 4, Kovačič (L), Štalekar, Pokeršnik 3, Kök, Kožar, Kumer (L).
Coach: Matjaž Hafner
The match began with a strong start from the visiting team. ACH Volley’s Šen, in excellent form, contributed with an ace to secure a four-point lead (3:7) and followed with two successful attacks, extending the advantage to +5 (4:9). The Orange Dragons maintained a fast pace throughout the set, using powerful serves and solid blocking to dominate their opponents. Golzadeh sealed the first set with a precise attack (14:25).
The second set saw a more balanced start (4:4). However, Krka’s Medved blocked effectively to give the home team their first significant lead (10:7). Despite interventions from Ljubljana’s coach Hafner, Krka kept up the momentum. With additional blocks by Koncilja and Bregar, they extended their lead to 16:10. Kosmina’s powerful spike widened the gap (21:14), and the set concluded with an ace by Bregar (25:19).
Losing the second set seemed to reignite ACH Volley’s determination. In the third set, they returned to their dominant form, with Golzadeh leading the charge. After a block by the younger Kržič brother, they secured a +9 advantage (2:11). Šen’s consecutive aces extended the lead to an unassailable 12 points (4:16). The set ended with an error on Travnik’s serve (11:25).
In the fourth set, Šen continued his standout performance, delivering two more aces for a quick lead (5:9). The Orange Dragons maintained control, with Kržič Jošt and Šen shining in blocks and Golzadeh delivering in attacks (20:14). Najdič earned the first match point with an ace, and Pokeršnik converted the second with a decisive attack, sealing the victory (19:25).
Coach Matjaž Hafner’s Post-Match Statement:
“An improved performance, but we’re not yet where we want to be. The drop in our level during the second set was unacceptable and allowed Krka to equalize in sets. However, I’m pleased with the reaction in the third and fourth sets, and we need to build on that. Now, it’s time to prepare thoroughly for a tough away game in Poland and our next Champions League match.”