Orange Dragons secure another win on home floor
In the 10th round of the Sportklub First Volleyball League, we witnessed a match in Tivoli Hall between ACH Volley Ljubljana and the visiting team Hiša na Kolesih Triglav. Both teams displayed a competitive game, and the Ljubljana team secured another league victory on their home court without major difficulties.
Ljubljana - Tivoli Sports Hall, 100 spectators, referees: Novak, Tomec
ACH Volley Ljubljana: Kržič, Šket 5, Najdič 1, Marovt, Šen 4, Koncilja 8, Kovačič (L), Gjorgiev 17, Sešek, Pokeršnik 11, Videčnik 6. Coach: Radovan Gačič
Hiša na Kolesih Triglav: Andovski, Nanut 6, Peruničič 5, Tučen 1, Fajfar (L), Snedec 4, Šilanič, Mali 1, Adžović 4, Jovović 20, Zalokar (L), Jančič 1. Coach: Sašo Rop.
The home team started the game better, taking a 5:2 lead with three points from Captain Gjorgiev. A successful attack by Nanut for a partial score of 3:0 meant that the guests closed in to just one point behind, but the home team quickly responded, increasing their lead to four points and prompting a reaction from the visiting coach Rop, who called for the first timeout (14:10). After the break, the situation on the court did not change significantly; the home team continued to show dominance in all aspects of the game. After Šket's ace, the gap became too large for the guests before entering the final phase (19:14). The Dragons easily maintained their lead (23:17), which was sufficient for a calm conclusion of the set. The ACH Volley players capitalized on the opponents' mistake to win the set at the 19th point.
The beginning of the second set belonged to the guests, who, taking advantage of mistakes by the Ljubljana volleyball players, took a 4:1 lead. Coach Gačič was quickly forced to intervene and sent his players to a break, but this did not wake up the home team, as the visiting team maintained their lead even after the break (6:9). In the second half of the set, the orange dragons repeatedly dangerously approached the opponents, trailing by just one point (11:12, 12:13, 13:14), but the Hiša na Kolesih players continued to score successful attacking actions. After another timeout requested by the home strategist, the guests made some mistakes, allowing the home team to level the score at the 17th point. In the continuation, Videčnik's block secured the lead for the Dragons (18:17), and towards the end of the set, Captain Gjorgiev capitalized on the second set point with a powerful attack (25:21).
In the last set, the Dragons took a 4:1 lead, and then the guests from Kranj responded, equalizing at the sixth point. We witnessed a close duel in the following minutes, with the score being tied several times (at the 8th, 9th, and 11th points). However, in the second half of the set, the guests gained a three-point lead (11:14). After a half-minute break, the Dragons reversed the score in their favor with a partial score of 4:0. The teams were evenly matched, and both sides showed fighting spirit until the 22nd point. Successful attacks by Koncilja through the first tempo and then Šen meant winning the third set and another, ninth league victory.
Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana coach Radovan Gačič: "Despite the 3:0 result, Kranj's volleyball players once again showed a solid game today and confirmed their status as challenging opponents. We definitely felt the fatigue from the Champions League match two days ago, but congratulations to the guys for the displayed fighting spirit and a well-deserved victory."
Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana player Jan Pokeršnik: "A good game is behind us, and we've won another three points. We were aware that you can quickly get burned against Kranj, but today we were focused enough, and despite a bit heavy legs, we won convincingly. Now it's time for another Champions League match in a full Tivoli Hall in front of our exceptional fans."