Slovenia’s reigning champions, Calcit Volley, fell just short of a win in their latest Champions League Pool C encounter. Hosting the match in Ljubljana, they clashed with Germany’s runner-up team, Potsdam, ultimately losing 2-3 in a nail-biting finish. Despite this, Calcit Volley succeeded in claiming their first point in this year’s competition during the Pool stage’s third round, while Potsdam marked their second win.
The match began on a high note for the Slovenian team, who convincingly took the first set. They remained competitive in the second set, though it eventually slipped from their grasp. A setback in the third set was counteracted by a spirited comeback in the fourth, setting the stage for a tense tie-break. The Kamnik-based team, led at one point 9-6 in the tie-break, only for Potsdam to level the scores repeatedly, eventually seizing victory with a decisive ace.
Maša Pucelj shone brightly for Calcit Volley, contributing a substantial 26 points, supported by Andjelka Radišković’s 17 points. Kamnik Coach Bruno Najdič expressed his disappointment, stressing the team’s self-defeating errors in critical moments. However, he also acknowledged the positive aspects, praising the team’s strong start and resilience.
Danielle Harbin led the Potsdam team with a remarkable 21 points, emerging as the top scorer, while Rodica Buterez contributed significantly by adding 20 points to the team’s victorious tally.
In other Pool C action, Fenerbahçe continued their winning streak, securing a straightforward victory over Grot Budowlani in Lodz, maintaining their dominance in the group.
Calcit Volley: Špoljarič (L), Rituper 10, Gorjup, Radišković 17, Šen 11, Najdič 5, Hutinski 12, Boisa, Maček, Pucelj 26, Čižman, Banko (L). Coach: Bruno Najdič.
Potsdam: Taubner 2, Breland 1, Harbin 21, Wong-Orantes (L), Kokkonen 2, Stautz 4, Stiriz (L), Buterez 20, Čekulajev 9, Lazaro 6, Dokić 7, Kiss 7. Coach: Riccardo Boieri.
CEV Champions League – Pool C
November 28, 2023
Budowlani Lodz vs. Fenerbahçe 0-3 (26-24, 18-25, 19-25)
November 30, 2023
Calcit Volley vs. Potsdam 2-3 (25-18, 23-25, 18-25, 25-23, 14-16)