Mevza League: Ljubljana take the first step towards final! Maribor defeated in four sets.

Time to semifinals in 2022/23 MEVZA League!
And the first game of first leg has been played today between No.4 OK Merkur Maribor and absolute (and undefeat) leaders of the competition ACH Volley Ljubljana.

Prediction respected in this all-Slovenian clash, as the team from country’s capital continued the perfect campaign in this edition of Mevza League with a four sets (20:25, 25:21, 15:25, 20:25) without any problem, with the only exception of second set, won by the home team, and the start of first set.
Although Ljubljana started better with a 3-5 lead, the rivals in fact leveled the score 6-6, and then they also lead the game, 13-11!
However, the visiting side put down at first the ball of 14-14 and, despite two time outs asked by coach Škorac, took the decisive lead 15:17, that increased until
the final 20:25.

The start of second set was basically the same, and the hosts gained the first significant advantage after an excellent serves by Braček and the monster block of 7-5. With the score 9-6 in favor of Maribor, this time was ACH Volley’s coach Gačič who stopped the game. In the continuation of the set, however, a very combative Maribor gained a five-point advantage with an outstanding game in block defense, until a clear 17-12. Bračko staged an excellent turn from the service line that is worth even a six points lead, 20:14, and his teammates did not waste the advantage, scoring the decisive 25:21.

Slovenian champions immediately react, with a great start and a 2-6
lead in third set, improving their game in all elements. The block-defense began to work, and captain Gjorgiev (top scorer among the winners with 21 points and 55% in attack) was unstoppable. Throughout the whole set, they led game and easily won the set with a clear 15:25.

Even in the fourth set Ljubljana played a great volleyball, and Koncilja (who ended the game with 17 points through 77% in attack and 5 winning blocks) secured a 7-10 lead with one of his 2 ace in this game. Taking advantage also from the errors of their rivals, they keep the lead and Šestan put down the ball 22:17, while Mašulović definitely close set and game 20:25.

Second semifinal is scheduled tomorrow, and No.3 SK Zadruga Aich/Dob from Austria will face another team from Slovenia, No.2 Calcit Kamnik.

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🏐| 2022/23 MEVZA LEAGUE – Semifinals | First Leg

👉🏼 Tuesday | February 22, 2023
• 19.30 (Local Time) | OK Merkur Maribor (SLO) (4) – ACH Volley Ljubljana (SLO) (1) 1-3 (20:25, 25:21, 15:25, 20:25)

| Wednesday | February 23, 2023
• 18.00 (Local Time) | SK Zadruga Aich/Dob (AUT) (3) – Calcit Kamnik (SLO) (2) 1-3 (22:25, 22:25, 25:17, 24:26)

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🏐| 2022/23 MEVZA LEAGUE – Semifinals | Second Leg

| Wednesday | March 1, 2023
• 18.00 (Local Time) | ACH Volley Ljubljana (SLO) (1) – OK Merkur Maribor (SLO) (4) 3-0 (25:22, 25:12, 25:16)
• 20.00 (Local Time) | Calcit Kamnik (SLO) (2) – SK Zadruga Aich/Dob (AUT) (3) 3-2 (25:21, 21:25, 18:25, 25:21, 15:10)

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