Ljubljana Volleyball Players Triumph Over Maribor at Home

In the 5th round of the Blue Group of the Sportklub First Volleyball League, we witnessed a showdown between ACH Volley Ljubljana and i-Vent Maribor at Tivoli Hall in Ljubljana. The Slovenian champions lived up to their role as favorites and celebrated another league victory.

Ljubljana – Tivoli Sports Hall, spectators: 112, referees: Matjaž Kern, Nejc Klinar.

ACH Volley Ljubljana vs. i-Vent Maribor 3:1 (25-23, 23-25, 25-13, 25-22)

ACH Volley Ljubljana: Golzadeh, Jošt Kržič, Satler (L), Šket 17, Najdič 1, Esko, Marovt 15, Šen 2, Janž Janez Kržič 9, Štalekar, Pokeršnik 11, Videčnik 12, Kök, Kumer (L).
Coach: Matjaž Hafner

OK i-Vent Maribor: Cafuta 1, Fužir (L), Vodušek 2, Almeida 13, Sešek 22, Valenčič 14, Špes Podbregar 2, Mazej, Donik, Škorc (L), Fink, Kožar 6, Mejal.
Coach: Sebastjan Škorc

The match began well for the home team, who took a 4:1 lead after an attack error by the visitors. The dominance of the Orange Dragons was evident, especially in their powerful finishes, which Maribor’s players struggled to counter. The lead remained in Ljubljana’s favor, prompting Maribor’s coach Škorc to call the first timeout at 11:7. This seemed to awaken the Maribor team, who responded with improved play and five consecutive points, leveling the score at 13:13. Hafner reacted with a timeout, but after a brief exchange of points, Maribor took a 16:18 lead. In the final moments of the set, Šket’s ace secured two set points (24:22), and Marovt successfully converted the second one to close the set at 25:23.

The second set saw Ljubljana take an early 5:2 lead, but Maribor quickly caught up, equalizing at 6:6. The set remained tight, with neither team gaining a significant advantage. After a 3:0 run by the visitors (9:11), Hafner called for a timeout, though it didn’t shift the momentum immediately. Midway through the set, Maribor led 13:16, but the Orange Dragons responded with three consecutive points and a strong block by Pokeršnik to level the score (16:16) and then take a 19:17 lead. The set continued with a series of ties, but it was Cafuta’s block that secured a 23:25 win for Maribor.

The opening moments of the third set belonged to the home team, who quickly established a 7:3 lead. The Slovenian champions maintained their dominance despite a timeout called by the visitors, extending their advantage to eight points (13:5) and displaying their true form and cohesion. Najdič further reinforced their lead with an ace at 16:6, pushing the gap to +10. ACH Volley maintained a comfortable lead until the end of the set, which was concluded by a block from Videčnik at 25:13.

In the fourth set, two consecutive points by Marovt helped Ljubljana take a 5:2 lead, while Maribor struggled with unforced errors. The home team maintained a three-point advantage throughout the first half of the set (13:10), with Maribor unable to close the gap to less than two points. However, midway through the set, the visitors staged a comeback, leveling the score at 15:15 after a 1:5 run. From then on, Maribor stayed close, but the home team retained a slight edge. Alen Šket’s experienced finish secured a 23:21 lead, and the set was ultimately decided by a long serve from Kožar, giving the Orange Dragons a 25:22 win.

ACH Volley Ljubljana player Žiga Kumer’s statement:
"Today, we didn’t show our best game, but Maribor played well. They played without pressure, which allowed them to stay with us in three sets. I’m happy with the win and the three points in the standings. Now, our full focus is on Wednesday’s match against Ziraat in the CEV Cup."