Slovenian Champions Conclude 2024 with Another Convincing Victory

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ACH Volley Ljubljana

In the 14th round of the Sportklub First Volleyball League, we witnessed a match in the Tivoli Sports Hall between the unbeaten home team ACH Volley Ljubljana and Merkur Triglav from Kranj. The Slovenian champions fully embraced their role as favorites and secured a solid 3:0 victory.

Ljubljana – Tivoli Sports Hall, Attendance: 100, Referees: Dejan Jovanovič, Daniel Atanasov

ACH Volley Ljubljana : Merkur Triglav Kranj 3 : 0 (16, 18, 16)

ACH Volley Ljubljana: Golzadeh, Kržič Jošt 3, Šket 19, Najdič 4, Esko, Marovt 9, Šen 9, Kržič Janž Janez 10, Kovačič (L), Štalekar 5, Pokeršnik 3, Videčnik 6, Kožar, Kumer (L). Head Coach: Matjaž Hafner

Merkur Triglav Kranj: Sokol 1, Snedec 5, Križanič 5, Vinkovič 6, Tučen, Fajfar, Veber, Jančič 13, Šikanič 2, Zalokar (L), Grabec 1. Head Coach: Sašo Rop

The home team gained their first notable advantage when Šket delivered powerful attacks, and Najdič blocked an opponent's attack (8:5). The dominance of Ljubljana continued throughout the set, with Kržič Jošt serving an ace to extend the lead to 12:7. In the latter half of the set, the Slovenian champions shone, as Marovt added two points and Kržič another, ensuring an unassailable eight-point lead (20:12). The set ended after a service error by Snedec (25:16).

The second set also began in favor of the home team, with Marovt serving an ace for a three-point lead (7:4). After a tie at nine points, the Dragons pressed ahead, building a +6 lead that they maintained until the end. The set concluded with a successful attack by the elder Kržič brother (25:18).

In the third set, the in-form Šket and Šen powered the team with effective attacks, securing a 12:7 lead. The advantage only grew as the match progressed, with Alen Šket, the most effective player of the game, closing out the match (25:16).

Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana Head Coach, Matjaž Hafner:
"A great way to end the year. We controlled the game throughout, and every player on the court was motivated and performed at the desired level. Now it’s time for a short break before returning to work, as the Champions League resumes soon, followed by the first highlight of the season—the Slovenian Cup Final."

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