Lokomotiv Avia qualified for the semifinals of efbet Super Volley after winning their second quarterfinal match against Pirin in Razlog with a score of 3:1 (25:21, 23:25, 26:24, 25:23) and closing the series 2:0. In the first match, the Plovdiv team was even more convincing, winning 3:0.
Thus, the team from Plovdiv became the third semifinalist in the championship and is now awaiting the winner of the Burgas clash between Deia Sport and Neftochimic 2010.
Match Development
The visitors started stronger and took the initiative already in the first set. Lokomotiv Avia imposed a better rhythm in attack, and their stable serve and well-organized block contributed to their lead in the score.
In the second set, the hosts from Pirin reacted excellently. The volleyball players from Razlog managed to overcome a deficit at the start of the part and capitalized on a higher number of unforced errors in their opponent's game to equalize.
The third set was the most dramatic. It was then that Pirin's block was working at its highest level, and the hosts scored 6 points on this element. Their better organization in attack allowed them to lead 21:18 and come close to a comeback. In the decisive moments, however, several errors followed, bringing Lokomotiv Avia back into contention. The set went into extra points, where the greater experience of the Plovdiv team proved decisive for a 26:24 win.
In the fourth set, Pirin once again put up strong resistance. The hosts were particularly dangerous on serve, scoring 5 direct points from serves, which helped them lead up to 21:20. In the end, however, Lokomotiv Avia's block made the difference. The Plovdiv team scored 6 points on this element in the set, thus preventing the match from going into a tie-break.
Individual Statistics
The captain of the visiting team, Todor Valchev, was named the most valuable player. He finished with 21 points, a +10 efficiency rating, 1 ace, 58% positive reception, and 59% attack efficiency.
The top scorer for the winners was Kristiyan Aleksov with 22 points, a +11 efficiency rating, 1 ace, 4 blocks, 55% positive reception, and an impressive 81% in attack. Julien Georgiev added 11 points, and Aleksandar Nikolov contributed another 14.
For Pirin, Marian Nakov was the top scorer with 25 points, a +13 efficiency rating, 3 aces, and 51% attack efficiency. Zlatko Kyosev scored 11 points, and Kostadin Gadjanov finished with 10.
Team Statistics
| Statistic | Pirin | Lokomotiv Avia |
|---|---|---|
| Block | 4 | 14 |
| Attack Points | 55 | 61 |
| Attack Efficiency | 51% | 54% |
| Positive Reception | 56% | 54% |
| Aces | 8 | 4 |
| Service errors | 14 | 16 |
| Points from opponent errors | 26 | 20 |
Lokomotiv Avia decisively dominated in blocking (14-4), which was the key factor for their success. Pirin had an advantage in serving (8 aces) and more points from opponent errors, but lower efficiency in crucial moments and weakness in blocking tilted the match in favor of the Plovdiv team.
photo:nvl.bg
