Bratislava, Slovakia, April 22, 2014. The women´s volleyball team of Doprastav BRATISLAVA became champion of the Slovakian Extraliga for the third time in history. The team from the banks of the river Danube won the final series against city archrivals Slavia Ekonomicka Univerzita BRATISLAVA by three victories to one. Thus, apart from the 2014 CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup - Women, Doprastav collected medals from each competition this season. The team mentored by head coach Tomas Varga won the Slovakian national cup, the bronze medals from the Middle European League and also gold from the domestic championship.
"I want to praise the 12 greatest women in the world," said Varga after the last match of the series, which Doprastav won in dramatic five sets. "I am proud of my girls. We had a very good season and I am happy that we have finished it with three medals. It was my first season with Doprastav and it was also a big learning experience for me. The whole series against Slavia was very emotional. We were the favorites, but it was not easy. We have shown a great team spirit."
Doprastav won the league also in 2009 and 2012. The 2014 final was the fourth in a row and fifth overall between these two teams.
Slavia EU advanced to the final series for the 22nd year in a row - the most decorated club in Slovakian history has never missed the finals since 1993 when former Czechoslovakia was divided into two countries. The team mentored by head coach Martin Hancik did not manage to defend the title from last year.
"First of all I want to congratulate Doprastav and Tomas Varga for the title. Doprastav had a more experienced team and deserved to win. I am satisfied even after the loss, because we have shown good volleyball and we played as equals to our opponents," said Hancik.
Slavia now has 14 gold and 8 silver medals in history.