Poland edges out Slovenia in first leg of semi-finals of 2012 CEV Cup – Volleyball news
Asseco Resovia RZESZOW, the men’s volleyball team from Poland, downed Slovenia’s ACH Volley LJUBLJANA in the first leg of the semi-finals for the 2012 CEV Volleyball Cup.
The match took place on Wednesday, March 14, while Polish town RZESZÓW set up the field of play. With massive support of more than 4,000 fans, the home squad finished the match in straight sets and marked its first win in the semis. The set scores of the
crucial match were 28-26, 25-8, 25-17. Success in the first match will help the Poles to cope with the power of Slovenian opponent in the next game that is slated for coming Saturday.
According to the set formula of Confederation European de Volleyball (CEV), the team with two wins will go into the finals. In the case of tie, the finalist will be determined on account of better set ratio and point percentage. Poland has greater prospects
to play in the finals. All eyes are now set on the next Polish-Slovenian duel at the weekend.
Gyorgy Grozer played an instrumental role in Asseco Resovia’s victory. He received huge applause from local audience for his brilliant act. He was credited with match-high 21 points via 13 attacks, 3 blocks, and 5 aces. Cebulj was the only player on the
opposite side who went into double-digit scores. He contributed 13 points, in the failing effort of ACH Volley.
The opening frame of the match featured a balanced action as both teams committed too many mistakes. Gradually, the game picked up pace but score remained close. The Polish side used the competitive edge of playing at home and tried to launch authority on
the visitors. However, ACH Volley gave a good competition to the competitors. There was absolutely no telling about the potential outcome of the first set until the final whistle of referee. Eventually, Asseco Resovia claimed the first set with slight margin
of two points, 28-26.
Second set was all about Resovia as the Poles totally dominated the scene. ACH Volley seemed to have lost the form and ended up with only 8 points. Resovia improved to 2-0 by winning second set in row and quickly covered the length of third set. They sent
25-17 on board in third set and announced match victory.
The mentor of Slovenia team Igor Kolakovic commented, “The first set was very competitive but at the end the experience of the Polish players was crucial. Afterwards, we stopped playing our game. The mighty services of Marko Bojic and Gyorgy Grozer made
the difference. We lost our confidence and did not play a good, patient Volleyball as we had planned before the game. Anyway, Saturday is a new day and we will definitely try to do our best and win in front of our supporters.”
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