Slovenian volleyball makes history with its first-ever Supercup

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Slovenian volleyball has added a new chapter to its history with the introduction of the country’s first-ever Supercup. The inaugural edition took place on October 17 at Maksa Pečar Hall in Ljubljana, bringing together the leading teams from the previous season for two finals that offered an exciting start to the 2026/2027 campaign.

Since Slovenia’s first national championship and cup competitions were held in the 1991/1992 season, the domestic calendar has continued to evolve. The Slovenian Volleyball Federation (OZS) has now introduced a third club competition, following a format established in several other European countries. The aim is to strengthen the domestic game, attract more attention to club volleyball and give the season a new high-profile opening after a summer of international competition.
OZS Secretary General Gregor Humerca described the Supercup as another step towards developing the sport in Slovenia, bringing leading clubs and supporters together at the beginning of the new season.

The women’s final delivered the first major surprise. GEN-I Volley, runners-up in the 2025/2026 Slovenian Cup, faced OTP banka Branik, who arrived in Ljubljana as reigning national champions and cup winners. Despite the difference in pre-match expectations, GEN-I Volley produced a commanding performance to secure a historic 3-0 victory, with set scores of 25:23, 25:16 and 25:21.
Naja Kukman led the winners with 16 points, while Thuany Bardin added 13. For the Maribor side, Maša Mlinar finished with 14 points. Kukman was delighted with the way her team began the campaign, highlighting the importance of focus and composure, particularly when GEN-I Volley found themselves under pressure during the match.
OTP banka Branik head coach Žiga Kos congratulated their opponents but acknowledged that his team had struggled to maintain concentration at decisive moments. Unforced errors proved costly against a side ready to take advantage of every opportunity.

The men’s final brought together ACH Volley Ljubljana and Panvita Pomgrad from Murska Sobota, repeating the previous season’s Slovenian Cup final. ACH Volley, the reigning league and cup champions, started strongly, but Panvita Pomgrad responded by taking the second set 25-23 to level the contest. The Ljubljana side regained control in the third set and maintained their advantage to complete a 3-1 victory, winning 25:16, 23:25, 25:21 and 25:17.
Rok Bračko led ACH Volley with 13 points, while Marko Ivović and Alen Šket contributed 11 apiece. Panvita Pomgrad’s Shay Spadaro and Mark Frazier were their team’s leading scorers, finishing with 16 points each.
Bračko stressed that the result had not come easily, noting that opponents are highly motivated when facing Slovenia’s dominant club and that ACH Volley had needed to raise their level at the crucial moments. Panvita Pomgrad coach Dejan Fujs, meanwhile, saw the performance as an encouraging sign for the season ahead, despite the defeat.

The first edition also recognised the standout performers of the day. Naja Kukman received the women’s MVP award after her influential display for GEN-I Volley, while Jani Kovačič was named the men’s MVP for ACH Volley Ljubljana.
With GEN-I Volley and ACH Volley Ljubljana entering the record books as the first winners, the Slovenian Supercup has begun its story with two contrasting finals: a surprise triumph in the women’s competition and a victory for the established power in the men’s game. The new trophy adds another prize to the domestic calendar and gives Slovenian clubs an additional opportunity to compete for honours from the very beginning of the season.

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