Orange Dragons routinely in Novo mesto

"At the 9th round of the Sportklub Slovenian Volleyball League, in the Marof Hall, the teams Krka from Novo mesto and the Slovenian champions, ACH Volley Ljubljana, faced each other for the second time this season. Throughout the match, we witnessed the dominance of the current national and cup champions, who secured a 3:0 victory.

Novo mesto - Marof Sports Hall, 100 spectators, referees: Atanasov, Goznik.

Krka: Jared 3, Medved, Erpič G, Kocjančič, Kosmina 7, Bregar 9, Kožar, Pulko, Erpič U., Lindič 2, Kern, Rojnik 6, Jakše (L) Coach: Jernej Rojc

ACH Volley Ljubljana: Mejal, Kržič 1, Šket 6, Najdič 2, Marovt, Šen 2, Koncilja 7, Kovačič (L), Gjorgiev 13, Sešek 2, Pokeršnik 10, Videčnik 11. Coach: Radovan Gačič

At the start of the match, we saw spirited ACH Volley Ljubljana players taking a 5:2 lead with Videčnik's powerful attack through the first tempo. Koncilja stopped Kosmina's attack with a successful block, and Gjorgiev increased the lead to 9:4 with an ace. After a timeout requested by coach Rojc, Krka's volleyball players managed to close in on two points (8:10), with Rojnik being effective with an ace. Captain Gjorgiev increased the lead of the Slovenian champions to four points (12:16) with two powerful attacks, and Videčnik added an ace for the Dragons' 20:12 lead. Šen, who entered the game instead of Šket just before the end of the set, served exceptionally strongly, and Pokeršnik closed the set with an attack at the 14th point.

Unlike the first set, the second set started more evenly (2:2), but Krka's volleyball players gained a three-point lead due to an aggressive start (8:5). Guests leveled the score to 11 points with two aces, first by Gjorgiev and later by Koncilja. In the continuation, the Novo mesto team resisted, but then we saw the dominance of the current national champions, who secured a substantial advantage before the end. Šket closed the set with an ace (19:25).

The Ljubljana volleyball players did not relent at the beginning of the third set. A series of initial serves by Videčnik meant a lead of 8:3. Without underestimating, the Dragons dictated the rhythm of the game throughout. A strong start and a solid block were the right recipe for today's victory. The match ended after Kosmina's mistake on the initial serve (15:25).

Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana coach Radovan Gačič: "We had a good game. We had a good enough serve to keep the opponents away from the net, which made our job easier in block-defense. Above all, the game was important for us to get back into the competitive rhythm after injuries. Now we have enough time to rest and prepare well for the start of the Champions League."

Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana player Nejc Najdič: "A well-played game on our part and a convincing victory in Novo mesto. We were aware that if we served well, the opponents would have a hard time keeping up with our game rhythm. We stuck to what we agreed on, and it all looked relatively easy. Now it's time for the Champions League and the first match, which awaits us next week in Trentino."