Albania kicks off official volleyball season – Volleyball News
The Balkan Volleyball Association in collaboration with Albania Volleyball Federation (AVF) officially opened the 2011-2012 season this past weekend on September 16. The three-day season opener tournament was held in Albania at the Fahrie Hoti sports hall
in capital city Tirana, where four of the best teams of the last season showed up. Following teams showcased their game skills in front of the volleyball enthusiasts:
Minatori UMB Volej Tirana Volleyball team Teuta
Minatori held the top position in previous season and entered the tournament as pre-favourite team. However, the local team from Tirana stole the show with best performance and left top rival Minatori behind. Tirana Women’s Volleyball team proved its authority
on the guest teams and captured all its matches. The hosts exactly did what the home crowed expected from them. They remained unbeaten and finished in the top slot.
Tirana vs. Teuta 3-0 (25-14, 25-22, and 25-14)
The tournament was officially opened with a thrilling affair between host Tirana and Teuta. The match spanned over three sets and some of the touching moments were seen on the centre court. Using the psychological advantage, home team made a strong opening
in the match. They picked up quick lead and did not allow the challengers to come up. Teuta ladies dropped opening set by trailing behind with 11 points, 14-25.
They guest team hit back powerfully in the following set and staged a better play. They settled down in their positions and managed to steal points from Tirana. There were actually moments in the match when Teuta made it quite difficult for Tirana to keep
up the momentum. However, Tirana sustained the pressure and soon overcame the opponent. Second set ended with close gap of three points at 25-22.
Tirana displayed a great show of volleyball in third set and claimed match victory b sending 25-14 on board.
Minatori vs. UMB Volej 3-1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-18, and 25-14)
Last year’s champion, Minatori, edged out UMB Volej in the second match of opening day of the tournament. Minatori seized first set win before UMB Volei evened the score by winning second set. Minatori squad extended its lead by winning third set. They carried
the momentum in fourth set and snatched victory from UMB Volej.
Final match
The successful team of day1 contested their spike and block capabilities in the final showdown of tournament on next day. Equipped with emotional support of local fans, Tirana exhibited prolific feat and clean-swept the Mantori side. They pulled off success
in the final match by scoring 25-17, 25-22, and 25-17. The final match was followed by small ceremony where the players of winning team were honoured with prizes.
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