Ślepsk Malow Suwałki missed an excellent opportunity to gain valuable points in the battle for the playoffs in the Polish PlusLiga, after dramatically losing to PGE GiEK SKRA Bełchatów 2:3 (22:25, 25:19, 26:24, 26:28, 11:15). The hosts led 2:1 in sets and had three match points in the fourth set, but allowed a comeback.
A strong match for Bulgarian national player Asparuh Asparuhov, who was among the best on the court.
Match Development
The guests from Bełchatów started better and won the first set 25:22. Suwałki, however, reacted excellently and equalized after 25:19 in the second set.
The third set was extremely competitive, and the hosts managed to take it 26:24, to lead 2:1.
The fourth set was the most dramatic. Bełchatów started stronger, but the hosts made a five-point run and took the lead, maintaining it until 22:19. A comeback followed – the guests scored four consecutive points for 22:23.
Nevertheless, Suwałki reached three match points, but Lemanski equalized for 26:26. Then a block against Filipijak and an ace from Potron brought the set to the guests – 28:26, which sent the match into a tie-break.
In the deciding set, Bełchatów led 4:2. Asparuhov narrowed the gap to 3:4, but a misunderstanding in the home team allowed the guests to extend their lead. After an ace by Szalacha, the score became 10:6. Suwałki reduced the difference to two points, but their strength ran out there, and after a net error, Bełchatów closed the match.
Individual Statistics
Asparuh Asparuhov (Ślepsk Malow Suwałki)
18 points
Efficiency +8
1 ace
3 blocks
32% positive reception
50% attack efficiency
6 digs
The Bulgarian outside hitter took a significant risk on serve – from 14 attempts, he made 6 errors.
Filipijak was the top scorer in the match with 29 points, but they were not enough for a victory.
Bełchatów played without Daniel Chitigoi, who is recovering from an injury. The hosts, on the other hand, were without Honorato, who will leave the team after the end of the season.
Match statistics
| Metric | Ślepsk Malow Suwałki | PGE GiEK SKRA Bełchatów |
|---|---|---|
| Aces | 5 | 9 |
| Positive reception | 44% | 52% |
| Attacks (points) | 60 | 49 |
| Blocks | 10 | 10 |
| Opponent errors | 34 | 33 |
Suwałki has an advantage in direct attack points (60 vs 49), which indicates good offensive efficiency. Bełchatów, however, compensates with a stronger serve (9 aces) and a more stable reception (52% vs 44%). The pressure from the serve in key moments, especially in the fourth set and the tie-break, proved decisive for the final outcome of the match.
Standings position
After this match, Ślepsk Malow Suwałki remains 10th in the PlusLiga standings and practically loses realistic chances for the playoffs. Before the match, the team was 8 points behind eighth place, and this loss further complicates the situation.
| Rank | Team | Points | Matches | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | PGE GiEK SKRA Bełchatów | 35 | 22 | 12 | 10 |
| 10 | Ślepsk Malow Suwałki | 26 | 24 | 7 | 17 |
Belchatow solidifies its position in the playoff zone and continues to fight for a higher ranking. For Suwalki, the situation is significantly more complex - the team has too many losses and even a winning streak in the remaining matches might prove insufficient.
Asparuhov and his teammates' next match is on March 15, when they visit Barkom-Kazhany Lviv.
photo:plusliga.pl
