Slovenian Champions Claim Their Third Convincing Win in Less Than a Week

In the 9th round of the national championship, we witnessed this season’s second matchup between last year’s finalists, ACH Volley Ljubljana and Alpacem Kanal. The visitors, who arrived in Ljubljana with a depleted roster due to illness and injuries, could not keep up with the reigning champions, who secured their third derby victory in less than a week — once again without losing a single set.

Ljubljana – Tivoli Sports Hall, Attendance: 280, Referees: Sanja Miklošič, Eva Tomec

ACH Volley Ljubljana vs. Alpacem Kanal 3 : 0 (19, 17, 14)

ACH Volley Ljubljana: Štern 21, Pajenk 10, Jošt Kržič, Šket, Najdič, Marovt 14, Šen, Janž Janez Kržič 4, Kovačič (L), Prevorčnik, Ropret, Urnaut 9, Verdinek (L).   Head coach: Igor Kolaković.

Alpacem Kanal: Mugerli Aleks, Fink 10, Vinkovič 5, Jerončič 7, Vinčič, Stojanovič 1, Okroglič (L), Sešek 5, Mugerli Maj, Konjedic, Ranc 2.   Head coach: Gregor Jerončič.

Due to illness and injuries, Alpacem arrived in Ljubljana significantly weakened. In the opening phase of the first set, they managed to stay close to the hosts, driven by a strong start from Štern. Experienced attackers Pajenk and Urnaut extended Ljubljana’s lead to +4 (15:11), but Fink responded with an ace that brought Kanal back within a single point (18:17). After a timeout called by coach Kolaković, the Dragons regrouped and entered the final stretch with a three-point cushion. The set was decided by an excellent serve and ace from Tonček Štern (25:19).

The early stages of the second set were marked by numerous unforced errors on both sides. Ljubljana eventually created a clearer lead, again led by Štern and Pajenk. A crucial block from Pajenk extended the advantage to 22:16, and captain Urnaut converted the second set point with an effective attack (25:17).

Ljubljana opened the third set with dominance, using strong blocking to stop Alpacem’s attacks and quickly building a 7:2 lead. The momentum continued — Marovt struck twice, and Štern added another ace to establish the largest lead of the match (18:8). In a composed finish, young Marovt delivered another successful attack to close the final set at 25:14.

Post-match statement - Jani Kovačič, ACH Volley Ljubljana:
“We expected stronger resistance from Alpacem, but they arrived weakened. We also didn’t play at the level we wanted in the first two sets, but we still earned a deserved victory. The most important thing is that the three points stay at home. Now it’s time to shift our focus back to the Champions League and the match awaiting us next week in Italy.”