The Ljubljana Machine keeps going, also better than HAOK Mladost

The third match of the opening tournament of the Central European League, hosted by Zvettel in Austria, was a showdown between HAOK Mladost Zagreb and ACH Volley Ljubljana. Once again, the Dragons were sovereign and eliminated their opponents with a score of 3:0.

Zwettl - Zwettl sports hall, spectators: 50, referees: Rychlik, Činatl (both Czech Republic).

ACH Volley Ljubljana : HAOK Mladost Zagreb 3 : 0 (15, 19, 20).

ACH Volley Ljubljana: Mejal 3, Šket 15, Mašulović 3, Todorović 1, Bošnjak 2, Koncilja 5, Šestan 9, Kovačič (L), Gjorgiev 14, Videčnik 2, Kök 1, Šen.  Coach: Radovan Gacic.

HAOK Mladost Zagreb: Repek (L), Stevanovic 2, Ivic, Vasko, Ecker 3, Gajic, Dolgopolov, Jakopec 2, Smiljanic, Stankovic 5, Zeljkovic 6, Cvanciger 10. Coach: Ratko Peris.

The Ljubljana volleyball team opened the match against Mladost with a great start and led 3:0 after an ace by Šestan. The Croatian national team player, together with captain Gjorgiev, was the strongest weapon in the Dragons' offensive actions, and after an ace by Todorović, the Dragons were already ahead by five points (11:6). Even after the timeout at the request of coach Peris, the balance of power on the court remained unchanged. The rest of the set was marked by a few unforced errors on both sides, but the Ljubljana players were in control (17:11). In the end of the set, coach Gačič sent young Mejal in for Todorović, who made good use of the opportunity. The experienced Šket with a great longitudinal shot took the first final ball, which was finished by Mašulović with a strong finish over the first pace (25:15).

The start of the second set was more even. Mladost's volleyball players managed to keep up with the Ljubljana team until the eighth point, but then after a series of strong opening shots by Mejal, they gave way (12:8). On the side of the Orange Dragons, Šket and Šestan were the most active players, unstoppable in their attacking finishes. The two blockers of the Ljubljana team, Koncilja and Mašulović, increased the advantage to five points (14:9). In the second half of the set, the Zagreb players were no match for the spirited volleyball players of ACH Volley Ljubljana, who led 19:12 after another point by Gjorgiev. It was the Macedonian opposite who, with an efficient attack, provided the first final ball, which was cashed in with a block by Mejal for a 2:0 lead for the Ljubljana volleyball team in the set (25:19).

HAOK Mladosti volleyball players had the initiative at the beginning of the third set, leading 7:3 after successful finishes by Cvanciger and Ecker. This provoked a reaction on the ACH Volley Ljubljana bench and a timeout at the request of Gačič. Gjorgiev, with two consecutive attacks, caught the lead (8:9). The Dragons took the initiative in the next period and took the lead at 16:15. Even a half-minute break at the request of Peris did not stop the ACH Volley volleyball players on their way to another victory. In the playoffs, they gained a high enough advantage to finish the match calmly. Šket was the first to get the first final ball, which was used by Gjorgiev with an attack from the second line. The two experienced 34-year-olds were also the game's top scorers with 15 and 14 points.

Statement of ACH Volley Ljubljana coach Radovan Gačič: "I consider today's match, as well as the whole tournament, a success. We showed the solidity of the team and kept a high level of play. The three wins are a great stepping stone to continue our very hard rhythm, first with a home game against Maribor and then away at Perugia."

Statement of ACH Volley Ljubljana player Filip Šestan: "A great tournament is behind us. Three games and three wins. Now it's time for a rest day, and then we're looking forward to the match against Maribor on Saturday."