20/11/2012 13:42
Lokomotiv scores fourth consecutive win to pre-book Playoffs spot
2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League - Men
Novosibirsk, Russia, November 20, 2012. Even though two rounds still have to be played, Lokomotiv NOVOSIBIRSK pre-booked a spot in the Playoffs 12 of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League by scoring a fourth consecutive win in Pool B, this time by edging – at home – the Czechs of Jihostroj CESKE BUDEJOVICE with the score of 3:1 (25-19, 23-25, 29-27, and 25-20). With this result and maximum points after four rounds, Lokomotiv will surely finish first in the group at the end of the League Round.
Jihostroj had traveled to Siberia after losing in straight sets last week at home but could not claim the much wanted revenge. With their excellent blocks and solid defense the Russians could easily claim the first set with the score of 25-19 but the second turned into a neck-to-neck race. Jihostroj got to the front by two points at the second technical time-out with two aces scored by setter Filip Habr, before outside hitter Tomas Fila and opposite Michal Krisko contributed the final 23-25 and provisional 1:1 in sets. The third set was very close and solid nerves were required especially in the final rush, where Lokomotiv could not capitalize on four set balls (24:20); it was middle blocker Vladimir Sobotka who drew level at 24 all but still Lokomotiv finished it off at 29-27. The hosts got the right boost from that happy end and dominated the scene in the next set (25-20) thereby pocketing their fourth win in the competition.
“It is really true that there are no easy matches in the Champions League” said head coach Andrey Voronkov after the game. “The Czechs played some good Volleyball tonight. I am quite satisfied with the result especially since every set is important in this competition”.
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