Ljubljana team victorious in the first game of the new year

In the last match of the 4th round of the Central European League MEVZA, the home team ACH Volley Ljubljana and the Slovak representative VKP Bratislava played in Ljubljana's Hala Tivoli. The Ljubljana team justified their role as favourites and won 3:0. The Orange Dragons continue their unbeaten streak in the new year with their 26th match of the season.

Ljubljana - Tivoli sports hall, spectators: 50, referees: Ovuka, Kuzmanović (both Bosnia).

ACH Volley Ljubljana : VKP Bratislava 3 : 0 (14, 22, 17)

VKP Bratislava (SVK): Billich 4, Jurik, Vančo 4, Tarabus 4, Kurej (L), Pavlicko, Trubač 2, Kostolani 8, Prešinský 1, Malina 8, Banda 2, Yacoubou.  Coach: Kalny Matúš.

ACH Volley Ljubljana: Pernuš 3, Šket 2, Rutar 8, Mašulović 13, Todorović, Peruničić 4, Okroglič (L), Gjorgiev 17, Videčnik, Kök 7. Coach: Kašić Mladen.

The opening set was opened by the home volleyball players of ACH Volley Ljubljana, who after a block by Šket led with a three-point difference (5:2). After two consecutive attacking errors by the guests, the visiting strategist Matuš intervened after the first break with the score 9:5. The break did not stop the onslaught of the Orange Dragons, who, especially on the wings of their skilful opposite Gjorgiev, who was successful in the block, attack and serve, increased the advantage even more (14:6). After a new ace by Kök and an unassailable lead at 18:7, the set was practically decided. An ace by Rutar decided it in favour of the home players (25:14).

In the second set, ACH Volley volleyball players dictated the rhythm of the game, gaining a two-point advantage at the beginning and maintaining it in the continuation. A successful attack by Mašulović and a series of initial shots by Kök brought the Orange Dragons within four points (13:9). A half-minute break at the request of the visitors' coach woke up the Bratislava volleyball team and they tied the game at 15. This did not disturb the reigning Central European champions, who quickly regained a two-point advantage. The volleyball players from the capital of Slovakia were constantly on the heels of ACH Volley's volleyball players, but there was no surprise. The Orange Dragons won the set on the 22nd point after a block by Kök.

Despite leading 2:0 in the set, the Orange Dragons did not let up and entered the third set strongly. A solid block and a series of initial shots by Kök gave the lead to six points (7:1). After an attractive attack by Gjorgiev and an ace by Rutar, the match was practically decided at 14:5. Mašulović decided the match with an ace (25:17).

Tomorrow ACH Volley Ljubljana will face another test, this time against the second Slovak representative in the Mevza League, TJ Spartak from Myjava.

Statement of ACH Volley Ljubljana coach Mladen Kašić: "It's been 14 days since our last match, so we were all the more eager to get back into the competitive swing. Congratulations to the boys for today's win. Tomorrow we have another test in Mevza, where we want to continue our winning streak."