26/10/2011 22:47
ACH Volley emerges as winner of real drama in Ljubljana
2012 CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men
Ljubljana, Slovenia, October 26, 2011. In a dramatic match in the magnificent “Stožice” sports hall ACH Volley LJUBLJANA managed to overcome the loss of the first two sets to eventually defeat Budvanska Rivijera BUDVA of Montenegro 3:2 (20-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-10, 15-12) for the second round of play in Pool F.
Nervousness marked the beginning of ACH Volley’s performance, resulting in a 1:4 lead for the team from Montenegro. The home side quickly recovered but the performance of the guests was more solid and consistent, earning them a steady lead. At 11:14 home coach Kolaković called a first time-out and afterwards his team managed to tie the score at 17 all. In the end the guests made fever mistakes and easily won the opening set.
In the second set the home team took the initiative and the lead with 3:1, but it was quickly lost due to many unforced errors. Afterwards the teams kept exchanging the lead up to the 20-point mark. The guests were able to keep their focus until the end, winning the second set 23-25.
The beginning of the third set was marked by a close score and at the first technical time-out the players of Budvanska Rivijera were leading 7:8. The home heroes managed to turn around the result by finally showing their signature play, eliminating silly errors and keeping the lead until the end (25-18).
ACH Volley continued with their renewed focus and enthusiasm in the fourth set, allowing the team from Montenegro to score only 10 points there.
After a dramatic fifth set, in which the guests did not allow the home team to escape for more than two points, the players of ACH Volley and their fans celebrated their first victory in the 2012 CEV Volleyball Champions League.
“I guess it was the nervousness of playing in front of the home audience that cost us the first two sets but in the end my players managed to pull themselves together, show their qualities and win this very important match” said ACH Volley coach Igor Kolaković.
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