Slovenian champions sovereignly and with a semi-final ticket from Murska Sobota

 In the quarterfinal match of the Slovenian Cup, ACH Volley Ljubljana faced Panvita Pomgrad in Murska Sobota. The guests justified their role as favorites, outplayed their opponents, and celebrated a 3-0 victory.

Murska Sobota - Elementary School Gymnasium 1, Murska Sobota, spectactors 110, referee: Marko Rožej, Smiljan Goznik

Panvita Pomgrad  : ACH Volley Ljubljana 0 : 3 (-22, -14, -17)

Panvita Pomgrad: Rajnar, Doda 3, Šormaz 7, Drvarič, Vrabl, Suhadolnik 6, Legen, Bedrač 4, Novak (L), Mirković 6. Coach: Dejan Fujs

ACH Volley Ljubljana: Marković, Kržič, Šket 5, Najdič 6, Marovt 2, Šen, Koncilja 9, Kovačič (L), Gjorgiev 12, Sešek , Pokeršnik 12, Videčnik 8, Song. Coach: Radovan Gačič

After an even start and a slight initiative from the home team, the Ljubljana players, with successful attacks from Gjorgiev and Pokeršnik, took the lead 12-10, followed by a timeout requested by the home coach Fujs. Panvita's volleyball players equalized with a successful defensive action and Mirković's effective attack, leveling the score at the 15th point. Mirković remained in good form and, with an ace, brought about a new tie, this time at the 17th point. An exceptional defensive action by Kovačič and a clever finish by the experienced Pokeršnik meant a three-point lead for the Slovenian champions before the end of the set (21-18). Two excellent blocks by the dragons brought the score to 24-21, and the guests capitalized on the third set point after Panvita's error in the attacking action (22-25).

In the second set, we saw a determined start by the orange dragons and a lead of 7-3. They maintained the advantage throughout the set, and Najdič increased it to six points with an ace (16-10). The Ljubljana players did not allow Panvita's players to catch their breath, completely disarming them in the second half of the set. Videčnik, with an excellent serve, brought about the first set point, which Koncilja used with a powerful attacking finish for a convincing victory in the second set (14-25).

The third set also saw the dominance of the current cup champions, who, after initial equalizations, stepped on the gas and gained a substantial lead before the second half of the set. Marovt, who had replaced Pokeršnik, forcefully closed the set at 16-11, followed by a timeout requested by Fujs. This did not change the situation on the court, as the dragons confidently marched toward a smooth victory and a place in the semi-finals of the cup competition. Koncilja decided the match with an ace (17-25).

Statement by ACH Volley Ljubljana coach Radovan Gačič:
"I think that compared to the last two games we played against Panvita Pomgrad in the playoffs after the new year, this one was the smoothest. It is always challenging to play such games, where only one match counts, and Panvita Pomgrad is a good enough team that if you are not really prepared and do not enter the game as you should, things can quickly go awry. But today we were right, we served well, and that also decided the game."

Statement by ACH Volley Ljubljana player Danijel Koncilja:
"An excellent game is behind us, and throughout the match, we dictated the rhythm of the game. Good initial serves and consequent good play in block-defense, as well as in attacking finishes, made our job easier. Now our thoughts are already on Saturday's match with Fužinar."