BAKU edges out Germans in front of the home audience – Volleyball news
The women’s volleyball team of Germany, VfB 91 SUHL, went against Baki Baku of Azerbaijan in the first semi-final of 2012 CEV Challenge Cup on Wednesday, March 14.
The match spanned over three sets and continued for 79 minutes. Finally the Baku girls came out marching as winners. They clinched success by posting 26-24, 25-19, 25-17 on board. The match was hosted by German side and the sports arena was packed up with
more than 2,000 spectators.
However, the visiting squad did not seem to be intimated by the noise of strange audience and claimed victory in the crucial match.
UTLA Martina served as the top weapon for German team. She put up huge effort and contributed match-high 17 points. However, she could not celebrate the triumph. BARBOZA led Baku to the amazing victory. She did exceptionally well and scored team-high 16
points. She was the only one in her team to go into double-figure score.
The opening set of the match was all about Baku. The visitors had done their home work and started out well. They picked up an early lead and dragged the opponent under pressure. VfB 91 SUHL, which had high hopes for a great start, seemed totally flabbergasted
by the guest team.
German mentor called a timeout at 8-11 and team gathered to discuss the reason of failure. The play resumed after the break but Germans failed to come out of the blues. The second technical timeout was also called by the home at 11-15. Home squad tried different
ways but could not overcome charged-up Baku. The visitors remained consistent and secured first set, 26-24.
German ladies hit back aggressively in the following set. They managed to score good points in the first half of second set but Baku bounced back and changed the scenario. Team Baku went up at 13-12 and led all the way until set points, 25-19.
The third set unfolded the similar story. Players of the guest team totally controlled the operations, while Germans trailed behind throughout the third set. Baku earned the status of winning team after closing third set at 25-17.
The match was followed by official press conference and head coaches of both teams shared their thoughts on the match.
The successful Brazilian coach of Baki Baku, Angelo Vercesi, said, “I am happy with the way my players were able to cope with this crazy atmosphere in the sports hall and that they did stick to our plans.”
On the other hand, the German head coach Felix Koslowski had his say. He commented, “We currently have some problems with players that are not fully fit but in the end tonight we committed a way too many mistakes. You cannot afford this as you play a strong
and experienced side like Baki BAKU. However, we still have our own chances to make it to the final.”
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