Hafner's successful debut on the bench of the Orange Dragons

In the first match of the semifinals of the Sportklub First Volleyball League, the home team ACH Volley Ljubljana faced the guests from Murska Sobota, Panvita Pomgrad. The Slovenian champions were better throughout the entire match, except for the third set, and rightfully celebrated a 3:1 victory.

Ljubljana – Tivoli Sports Hall, 200 spectators, referees: Blaž Markelj, Jure Vrenko.

ACH Volley Ljubljana : Panvita Pomgrad 3 : 1 (18, 20, -20, 20)

ACH Volley Ljubljana: Marković, Kržič 7, Šket 20, Najdič 3, Marovt 12, Šen, Kovačič (L), Gjorgiev, Sešek, Pokeršnik 16, Videčnik 9, Song (L). Coach: Matjaž Hafner

Panvita Pomgrad: Rajnar 3, Turkl, Doda 13, Šormaz 14, Kolarić, Drvarič 1, Vrabl, Suhadolnik 4, Horvat, Legen 1, Bedrač 5, Novak (L), Mirković 9. Coach: Dejan Fujs

Right at the start of the match, the home team faced a new shock when Klemen Šen sustained an ankle injury, and he was replaced on the court by the young Marovt. After an initial deficit and the unfortunate event, the Orange Dragons rallied and took control. Šket extended the lead to four points with two consecutive points. Marovt's ace raised the score to 20:13, making it clear who would win the opening set. Kržič decisively finished it with an excellent attack over the first tempo (25:18).

In the second set, the Dragons quickly found their rhythm, led by excellent blocking and aggressive serves, quickly moving ahead by two points (9:7). Throughout the second set, the current national champions did not allow their opponents to close in, and Pokeršnik concluded the set with a successful attack (25:20).

The third set saw a better Panvita, which awakened and became more effective in attacking finishes with better reception. The Ljubljana volleyball players found themselves trailing and chased the guests throughout the set. Videčnik reduced the deficit to two points with an ace (15:17), and Pokeršnik added a block for 16:17. This was followed by a timeout requested by the guest coach Fujs. After tying at 17 points, Panvita made a partial score (6:0) leading to 23:17. The guests maintained their lead and reduced the set deficit to 2:1.

The beginning of the fourth set was even, but Kržič with an excellent block and Pokeršnik with a delicate parallel hit ensured a two-point lead (7:5), and Najdič's ace triggered a reaction from the guest bench (9:6). Mirković later neutralized the advantage of Ljubljana with powerful serves, leading to a tie at 11 points. Gjorgiev came in for the Slovenian champions instead of Marovt, bringing some freshness. The Dragons entered the final part of the set with a three-point lead (20:17) and maintained the advantage until the end of the match.

Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana's coach, Matjaž Hafner: "It was a tough match. In the last three days, we lost two players who are usually starters. Panvita players played without pressure, especially in the third set they served excellently and were dangerous. Nonetheless, we managed to find the necessary energy at the end of the match and celebrated the victory."