Orange Dragons Claim Convincing Victory on Home Court in Season Opener

In the first match of the new competitive season, we witnessed a clash between ACH Volley Ljubljana and Calcit Kamnik at Ljubljana's Tivoli Hall. The Slovenian champions were dominant on their home court and deservedly celebrated their first win of the season with a 3-0 score.

Ljubljana – Tivoli Sports Hall, Attendance: 782, Referees: Eva Tomc, Gregor Novak

ACH Volley Ljubljana : Calcit Volley 3 : 0 (26, 19, 20)

ACH Volley Ljubljana: Golzadeh 10, Jošt Kržič, Šket 4, Najdič, Marovt, Šen, Janž Kržič 1, Kovačič (L), Štalekar 9, Pokeršnik 11, Videčnik 5, Kök, Kožar, Kumer (L). Coach: Matjaž Hafner

Calcit Volley: Karadža Pevc (L), Podobnik 1, Nanut 3, Lazar 5, Sladič, Suhadolnik 1, Okroglič 4, Nwachukwu 12, Oman (L), Blaževič, Jensterle, Gomez 4, Pavlovič 7. Coach: Gašper Ribič

The opening of the match was completely in favor of the home team, ACH Volley Ljubljana. Effective attacks by Šket and two aces by young Najdič forced Calcit coach Ribič to take his first timeout. Ljubljana continued to excel with strong serves and blocking defense. At 17:11 in their favor, few expected an exciting finish to the first set. However, Calcit managed to recover from the early pressure and began closing the gap. Okroglič’s series of tough serves brought the guests within just one point (17:18), prompting a reaction from Hafner, the home team’s coach. Pokeršnik's block at the end of the set gave the national champions two set points, but the determined Calcit side fought them off, leading to a tense finish where both teams had their chances. The final two plays of the set went to the Iranian opposite, Golzadeh, who replaced Šket. After a successful attack, his serve set up Pokeršnik for a decisive point to close the set at 28:26.

The second set began more evenly, with both teams making several serving errors. The Ljubljana team gained a three-point lead after a powerful attack by Štalekar through the middle and held the advantage comfortably until the end of the set. The set ended 25:19 in favor of the home team, following an attack error by the guests.

In the third set, the Dragons effectively stopped Calcit’s attacks with strong blocking, earning a four-point lead (10:6). Ljubljana continued to dominate and secured an unassailable six-point lead before the end of the set. The final point of the match was sealed by Golzadeh's powerful diagonal attack, giving ACH Volley their first victory of the championship, with a 25:20 scoreline in the third set.

Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana’s coach, Matjaž Hafner:
"After a great start and the lead we gained relatively quickly, we experienced a drop in performance. We made too many mistakes, which Calcit capitalized on. However, we regrouped in the closing moments and secured the opening set. After that, we relaxed and played better. Our block was solid, we made fewer errors in attack, and in the end, we deserved this first win of the season."

Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana’s captain, Jani Kovačič:
"Except for the second half of the first set, where we made mistakes that should not happen again, I am satisfied with the team's performance today. There are still many errors in our game, but I believe we will reduce them with each match."