2018-2019 CEV Champions League – 2nd Round
United Volleys Frankfurt Def. Posojilnica AICH/DOB 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-21)
- Fraport Arena FRANKFURT/MAIN, GERMANY
- Attendance: 400
- United Volleys need a win or a loss in 5 sets in the return leg to advance to the 3rd Round; Posojilnica AICH/DOB needs a win in 3 or 4 sets to force a Golden Set for the chance to progress
United Volleys did what they needed to at home. Though they only had 400 fans in attendance, the German side put forth a solid defensive performance, especially at the net, and thwarted any chances for the Austrian champions to claim a victory. United Volleys completed 13 blocks in the match at a rate of 4.33 per set in the win. They were also able to hold Posojilnica to just a .200 (40%) hitting percentage.
Mortiz Karlitzek came up big again for the United Volleys. The outside hitter led his team with 18 points on 13 kills, 2 blocks and 3 aces from the service line. He also was his team’s leading passer with 85% of his service receptions being positive and 55% being rated as perfect. Both of those stats were match-highs.
Sebastian Schwarz had a difficult time in attack, hitting only .056 (33%) on his way to 6 kills with 5 errors in attack. He also contributed a service ace. Milija Mrdak scored 11 points from the right side as an opposite. He put away 10 kills with an ace, but he only hit .231 (38%). Tanner Syftestad entered the match as a substitute in the 2nd set. He complete 1 attack attempt, but did not earn a kill.
Paul Penning chipped in 8 points in the middle. While he only had 1 kill and 2 errors (-.200 and 20%), he accounted for 7 of his team’s 13 blocks. Lucas Van Berkel chipped in 10 points from the other middle blocker position. His points came on 6 kills and 4 blocks. Adam Kocian set the United Volleys to a .244 (43%) hitting percentage.
Matej Mihajlovic was the biggest contributor for Posojilnica. The starting opposite led his team with 17 points on 14 kills, 1 block,and 2 aces. Maximilian Landfahrer also reached the double digits with 10 points from 10 kills with a .200 (40%) hitting percentage. Nej Pusnic scored 7 points off the bench at the outside on 6 kills and 1 block. Posojilnica only got a combined 5 points out of their middle blockers.
United Volleys just need a win or a loss in 5 sets when the two teams play in Austria on Halloween in order to advance. If Posojilnica wins in 3 or 4 sets it will force a Golden Set to 15 points. United Volleys does not have a match in the German Budesliga this weekend, though Posojilnica will play VBC TLC Weiz on Friday, October 26th.
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