23/10/2012 22:33
Noliko MAASEIK claims CL premiere with CAI TERUEL
2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League - Men
Maaseik, Belgium, October 23, 2012. Noliko MAASEIK claimed its first match in the prelims of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League by edging CAI TERUEL of Spain in straight sets at “Lotto Dôme” on Tuesday (27-25, 30-28, and 25-22) with 1’600 fans in attendance.
Both teams started out playing aggressively but Noliko broke away after the first technical time-out (from 8:6 to 16:10) and even though CAI TERUEL fought bravely drawing level at 25 all, it was the home side that brought it home with the score of 27-25.
The second set was initially very close (8:8) and CAI TERUEL then moved to the front (9:13) before the home heroes fought their way back (17:15, 20:16). CAI TERUEL did not want to let it go that easily and drew level twice at 23 and 28, before Dutch spiker Jelte Maan scored the next two points to contribute the final 30-28.
Noliko caught an excellent start in set 3 (8:3) but CAI TERUEL came back (13:12, 18:17) and even went to the front once more (20:22). However, Noliko regrouped to score the next five and finish it off in straight sets.
Latvian Hermans Egleskalns was Noliko best scorer with 14 points while Juan Carlos Barcala charted 18 for the guests from Spain.
“It was a tough game and CAI TERUEL provided us with good resistance in all three sets we played tonight” says team captain Wannes Rosiers. “However, I am happy with the result which is what really matters in the end”. “Our plan to keep on serving on Manuel Sevillano worked well as we kept his efficiency rate at less than 30%” states home mentor Brecht Van Kerckhove.
“I am very disappointed with the result especially since all three sets were very close. On the other hand I am proud of my team because the guys played a great match” singles out CAI TERUEL coach Oscar Novillo.
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