Ljubljana, October 2011 - In a dramatic match in Ljubljana' sports hall Stožice ACH Volley LJUBLJANA managed to overcome the loss of the first two sets, turned on its significant play and won the match against Budvanska Rivijera BUDVA 3:2 (20:25, 23:25, 25:18, 25:10, 15:12).
Nervousness marked the beginning of ACH Volley's performance, resulting in the 1:4 lead for the team from Budva. The home team quickly recovered but the performance of the team from Montenegro was more diverse, earning them a steady lead. At 11:14 home coach Kolaković called the first time-out and afterwards his team managed to tie the score at the 17th point. In the end the guests made fever mistakes and easily won the opening set.
In the second set the home team took the initiative and the lead with 3:1, which was quickly lost due to own errors. Afterwards the team kept exchanging in the lead until the 20th point. The guests were able to keep their focus until the end, winning the second set 23:25.
The beginning of the third set was marked by a tied result and at the first technical time-out the players of Budvanska Rivijera were leading 7:8. The players of Ljubljana's team managed to turn around the result by finally showing their signature play, eliminating beginners' errors and keeping its lead until the end (25:18). ACH Volley' players continued with their renewed focus and enthusiasm in the fourth set, allowing the team from Montenegro to score only 10 points.
After a dramatic fifth set, in which the guests did not allow the home team to escape for more than two points, ACH Volley' players and their fans celebrated their first victory in the 2011/12 season of the CEV Volleyball Champions League.
"I guess it was the nervousness of playing in front of home audience that cost us the first two sets but in the end my players managed to pull themselves together, show their qualities and win this very important match,” said ACH Volley's coach Igor Kolaković. (P.R.)