Ljubljana Dominates with Fifth Straight League Win
In the 5th round of the Sportklub Slovenian Volleyball League, ACH Volley Ljubljana hosted i-Vent Maribor at Ljubljana’s Tivoli Hall. The reigning Slovenian champions proved their favorites' status once again, celebrating a new league victory without dropping a set.
Ljubljana – Tivoli Sports Hall, Attendance: 160, Referees: Gregor Novak, Eva Tomec
ACH Volley Ljubljana: i-Vent Maribor 3 : 0 (22, 22, 12)
ACH Volley Ljubljana: Golzadeh 16, Kržič Jošt 1, Šket, Najdič, Esko, Marovt, Šen, Kržič Janž Janez, Kovačič (L), Štalekar 6, Pokeršnik 9, Videčnik 10, Kök 9, Kumer (L). Coach: Matjaž Hafner
OK i-Vent Maribor: Cafuta 4, Fužir (L), Vodušek, Almeida 11, Sešek, Valenčič 3, Mazej, Donik 4, Kastelic, Mirković 8, Mejal 1. Coach: Sebastjan Škorc.
The opening set was closely contested, with errors on both sides, both in serving and attack. The Dragons gained a slight edge with a serving run by Videčnik, achieving a 4-0 stretch and a 13-9 lead. i-Vent Maribor equalized at 16 points after a successful attack by Valenčič. The Ljubljana team entered the final stretch with a small advantage (21-19), and Iranian opposite hitter Golzadeh, with two successful attacks, extended the lead by three points (23-20). Kök sealed the set with a powerful spike, and Golzadeh clinched it with an immediate follow-up attack (25-22).
The rhythm of play in the second set mirrored the first. The Slovenian champions pulled away by +4 points midway through the set, this time not allowing Maribor to catch up. Pokeršnik finished the set with a spike to give Ljubljana a 2-0 lead in sets (25-22).
The third set saw complete dominance from the serial champions, who went on an incredible 8-0 run (thanks to Videčnik’s strong serving), gaining a 12-point lead. With a seventh ace, this time from Jošt Kržič, ACH Volley Ljubljana celebrated their fifth consecutive league win (25-12).
Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana’s Coach, Matjaž Hafner: “I'm pleased with today’s result, though there’s still room for improvement in our play. We need to work on these aspects and prepare fully for the upcoming challenges.”
Statement from ACH Volley Ljubljana’s player, Amir Golzadeh: “We're improving with every game, and I think we’re on the right path to reach our desired form soon. The team spirit is fantastic, and everyone’s working towards the same goal—that’s what matters most. With a demanding game schedule ahead, our deep roster will prove invaluable.”