11/01/2012 20:55
Arkas IZMIR qualifies for Playoffs 12
2012 CEV Volleyball Champions League - Men
Izmir, Turkey, January 11, 2012. Arkas IZMIR qualified tonight for the Playoffs 12 of the 2012 CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men by edging Noliko MAASEIK 3:1 (25-27, 29-27, 25-23, 25-20) to make sure this side will finish the League Round atop of the standings in Pool A.
Noliko MAASEIK opened with a very impressive pace tonight at “Halkapinar” sports hall – with some 2’000 fans in attendance – enjoying the narrowest margin at both technical time-outs before wrapping it up at 25-27. Arkas fought back courageously by seizing the next two sets – always with a very close score (25-23 and 29-27) – anchored by Colombian Liberman Agamez who eventually finished the game as best scorer with a total of 29 points. Leading 2:1 Arkas played more relaxed and displayed its full potential finishing it off at 25-20 for the 3:1 that meant a ticket to the Playoffs 12.
“We started well but then had problems in defense so it was not easy to resist to such a strong team like Arkas” says the head coach of Noliko, Vital Heynen.
“I am happy that we have reached the next stage of this competition, our team has played well against a very well organized side like Noliko MAASEIK resisting to their initial fast play. After losing the first set our players started pressuring their opponents more regularly, stayed focused and were able to bring it home. Liberman Agamez, our young middle blocker Justin Duff and setter Kevin Hansen all helped much take this victory” stresses home mentor Glenn Hoag.
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