13/11/2012 18:08
Russian express cruises to another classy win
2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League - Men
.jpg)
Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, November 13, 2012. In what was a much awaited clash, the hosts of Jihostroj CESKE BUDEJOVICE were eventually edged in straight sets by their heavyweight opponent, Russia’s Lokomotiv NOVOSIBIRSK, (21-25, 17-25, and 18-25), in the third round of action for Pool B of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men. With this result Lokomotiv remains atop of the charts in the group with a perfect record of three wins and nine points.
The Russian coach Andrey Voronkov opted for his best starting six anchored by 2012 Olympic champion and setter Alexander Butko. More than 2’000 fans were in attendance but they just could not help the home guys stop the Russian express. The Czechs were well prepared for this clash but they could not find a way through the terrific block displayed by Lokomotiv and especially by the 213 cm tall Artem Volvich. At the end of the match that lasted for 84 minutes home mentor Jan Svoboda said: “We have realized that even though we lost in straight sets we have a strong team but our players need more experience at this level. We did not serve well and this paved the way for the offense power of our opponent”. The best player of the home side, Jakub Novotny, added: “It was one of our best matches this season but not enough for this mighty opponent. They are just great and they did not make any mistakes”.
The Slovak star of Lokomotiv Lukas Divis said: “We controlled the match right from the start and up to the end. The atmosphere was just great and I have to thank the local fans. We showed our good quality and we are happy with the result whereby we make another step along the way to the final four”.
Click here for more info, including detailed stats of the match
|