PGE Skra makes to the final of 2012 CEV Men’s Champions League – Volleyball news
Poland’s PGE Skra BELCHATOW totally profited the home advantage and edged out Arkas Izmir of Turkey in the first semi-final of the 2012 CEV Men’s Champions League.
Poles clinched success after an incredibly close competition. The set scores were 25-23, 25-21, 28-26. The packed up Atlas Arena in Lodz hosted the match on Saturday, while home team was supported by some 12,000 fans.
KUREK Bartosz of Poland emerged as the real hero of the match. He put up a great show of volleyball and notched up match-high 19 points, which played a big role in Poland’s semi-final victory.
On the other side, AGAMEZ URANGO helped Turkey with team-high 17 points. He was the only player in Turkish team with double-digit scores. The Polish duo of WLAZLY and WINIARSKI added 16 and 11 points, respectively.
The team captained by Mariusz Wlazly scored the first point of the match, while the Turks were yet to be on board. In an early response, Arkas hit a couple of shots and went up at 2-1.
However, it was the only time that Turks had the lead in first set. Afterwards, the home team remained consistent and kept the operations of the game well under hand. Turks came from different angles but failed to overcome the charged-up rivals. Poland claimed
first frame by throwing 25-23 onboard.
The following set unfolded the similar story. Polish squad carried the momentum and built an early lead. Turks were gradually dragged under pressure and dropped easy shots.
Meanwhile, PGE Skra added quick points and covered the length of second set at 25-21.
After dropping two sets in row, Arkas hit back aggressively. The Turks followed a different attack strategy and managed to break the rhythm of hosts. They led the score up till 15-14 but eventually PGE Skra bounced back. They pushed the visitors behind the
attack line and finished third set by posting 28-26.
Polish head coach Nawrocki was overwhelmed with the joy of victory. He said, “We have been working for a couple of years to gradually build a solid team and we have regularly tried to play with the same starting six to get the right team work and consistency.
I can proudly say that with this win we have paid back our debts towards our sponsors and Board of Directors who have accepted the challenge to organize once again the final four.”
Glenn Hoag, the head coach of Turkey, also had his say about the match. In his opinion, Poland made a difference on account of an experienced line-up. He accepted the better status of Polish team and congratulated them for a deserving win.
However, Hoag was happy with the fact that his players put up every little effort to stop the Poles. Furthermore, he also thanked the amazing spectators who created a great atmosphere in the Lodz Arena.
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