ACH Volley Ljubljana wins return match to the next round of the CEV Challenge Cup
ACH Volley Ljubljana and home team VC Barkom-Kazhany competed in the return match of the 1/16-final of the CEV Challenge Cup in Lviv, Ukraine. The Ukrainian team proved to be a tougher opponent in the second leg than a week ago in Ljubljana, but it was not enough to threaten the advancement of the multiple Slovenian champions to the 1/8-finals. They beat their rivals 3:1.
Ukraine - Bosco Sports Hall, 500 spectators, referees Akhundov (Azerbaijan), Kukashynau (Belarus).
VC Barkom-Kazhany LVIV : ACH Volley Ljubljana 1:3 (20, -26, -17, -19).
VC Barkom-Kazhany Lviv: Dyachkov 12, Shevchenko (L), Holoven, Nalozhnyi 16, Koval 9, Zhukov (L), Polishchuk 4, Dovhyi 5, Kucher 11, Biber 4, Smoliar 13. Coach: Ugis Krastins.
ACH Volley Ljubljana: Pernuš, Šket 10, Rutar, Mašulović 16, Todorović 1, Peruničić, Okroglič 9, Kovačič (L), Gjorgiev 19, Pokeršnik 3, Videčnik 6, Kök 4. Coach: Mladen Kašić.
If ACH Volley Ljubljana's volleyball players managed to have a dream opening match (4:0) in their first meeting in Ljubljana, this time it was the home team VC Barkom-Kazhanyja who managed to do it, also leading 4:0 in Bosco Hall. They showed that they were serious in the continuation of the opening set, where they quickly built up a big lead (8:3), which triggered a reaction on the ACH Volley Ljubljana bench. The home volleyball players, who showed a completely different face in the first set than a week ago in Ljubljana, shone especially in the block, where they successfully stopped the attacks of the Ljubljana volleyball players. After a few successful offensive actions by the Orange Dragons, the advantage was slightly extended (11:8). Just when it seemed that the Ljubljana team would catch the match, two misunderstandings in the Ljubljana team's game allowed the Ukrainians to regain a big lead (22:14). Coach Kašić changed the rhythm of the game and the Orange Dragons played better. However, it was not enough to stage a turnaround. The set ended on the 20th point after an error by Todorović.
The second set started much more evenly, with the teams exchanging the lead until the tenth point. However, the home team Barkoma managed to gain the first significant advantage, first by two points (13:11), and later by four points, which was also the highest lead of the second set (16:12). This put the ACH Volley Ljubljana volleyball players on their toes, and with Okroglič and Gjorgiev in a great mood, they quickly captured the 16-point tiebreaker. The tie didn't last long, as the home team took a 20:18 lead after another block, this time by captain Pokeršnik, and maintained the advantage until the end of the game (23:21). The strong character of the Ljubljana team was proven again in the end of the second set, where they first managed to tie the score after a block by Šket, and then in a dramatic ending they turned the score in their favour (26:28).
The third set started better for ACH Volley Ljubljana and they led by two points (2:4). With the Orange Dragons leading 8:5, coach Krastins stepped in with a one-minute break. The Slovenian representatives in the CEV Challenge Cup managed to maintain their advantage throughout the set and after another block by Okroglič (6 blocks in total) they led by four (12:16). The Orange Dragons team was more convincing from point to point and dominated the court (19:14). After two fierce attacks by Mašulović and an ace by Gjorgiev, the set ended with a score of 25:17. This also meant that the Orange Dragons had already secured their promotion to the 1/8-finals of the Challenge Cup.
Despite having already secured their progression by winning two sets, the Ljubljana players entered the fourth set highly motivated and led 6:1. Barkoma-Kazhanyja's home strategist reacted to this and took a one-minute break. However, it did not help to stop the onslaught of the Ljubljana volleyball players, who were determined to extend their unbeaten streak to the 20th match in a row. And they managed to do just that. With a fierce finish - an ace by Gyorgiev - they outclassed their rivals in the fourth set and won 25:19.
Statement of ACH Volley Ljubljana coach Mladen Kašić: "For the first time this season, we found ourselves in trouble, both in the first and in the second set. They surprised us with a good serve receive and a change at the setter position. With the second set won, we relaxed and played the way we know. In the fourth set we showed our true colours."