The Orange Dragons Shine in Their Second MEVZA League Match

In the third match of the MEVZA Central European League tournament hosted in Ljubljana, we saw a clash between ACH Volley Ljubljana and MOK Mursa Osijek. The Ljubljana team dominated throughout the entire match and rightfully celebrated their eighth consecutive win without dropping a set.

Ljubljana – Tivoli Sports Hall, spectators: 111, referees: Igor Schimpl (SVK), Miroslav Juraček (SVK)

ACH Volley Ljubljana: MOK Mursa Osijek 3:0 (17, 19, 22)

ACH Volley Ljubljana: Golzadeh 13, Jošt Kržič 6, Šket, Najdič 2, Esko, Marovt, Šen 14, Janž Janez Kržič, Kovačič (L), Štalekar, Pokeršnik, Videčnik 2, Kök 16, Kumer (L). Coach: Matjaž Hafner

MOK Mursa Osijek: Bogdanović 8, Grgić, Kraljević (L), Wojcik 11, Đirlič, Šunjo 2, Škugor, Viloria 3, Šoš, Vuković 6, Busak (L), Verasto. Coach: Ratko Periš

Right from the opening minutes of the match against the Croatian team Mursa, the Ljubljana players made it clear that they weren’t leaving anything to chance. Kök’s powerful serves earned them a four-point lead (11:7), prompting the visiting coach to call the first timeout, though it did little to change the course of the game. The Dragons set the pace and stayed a step ahead. At the end of the set, Kök, who scored 8 points in the first set alone, came back to serve and scored an ace for the first set point. Ljubljana clinched the set on the visitors' service error (25:17).

The second set also started strong for the Slovenian champions, who quickly took a five-point lead (9:4) thanks to two blocks from young Jošt Kržič. They continued to successfully counter the visitors' attacks, with excellent performance from their block-defense. Strong reception allowed Najdič to orchestrate a versatile offense, which the Osijek team struggled to keep up with. The set concluded with another block from the Ljubljana team (25:19).

The third set began more evenly, with Kök tying the score at 10 with another ace and later adding one more for a 16:13 lead. The Dragons maintained their advantage, and in the final stretch, Šen delivered two successful attacks. A service error from the visiting team sealed another home victory (25:22).

Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana Coach Matjaž Hafner:

“We’ve had a successful first MEVZA tournament in terms of results. We rotated players a lot, as we’re in the midst of a grueling schedule, and it's essential that players get as much rest as possible. Our focus is already on Saturday’s match against Krka, which we must not underestimate, as they’ve shown good form this season.”