OK Merkur MARIBOR have extended their winning streak in the 2020-2021 edition of the MEVZA League to four matches a row. On Friday, the Slovenian team needed 100 minutes to claim a hard-fought 3-1 (25-18, 25-22, 17-25, 26-24) home victory over SK Zadruga AICH/DOB of Austria, so they increased their points to 13 on a 4-2 win-loss record. As a result, OK Merkur MARIBOR captured the top spot in the current standing, one point ahead of their compatriots and defending champions ACH Volley LJUBLJANA. The ‘Orange Dragons’ have not dropped a single point in the four matches they have contested so far.
On the other hand, SK Zadruga AICH/DOB suffered another setback to move to a 1-3 win-loss record. Their head coach Matjaz Hafner has to cope with some players missing due to injuries. Therefore, Austria’s heavyweight signed Daniel de Souza Maciel earlier this month. On Friday evening, the Brazilian opposite made his first short appearance for SK Zadruga AICH/DOB.
PHOTO © OK Merkur MARIBOR
“Despite a three-week break, we played on a high level in the first set and in the second as well. Afterwards, my players started making mistakes and they allowed our opponents to come back into the match. After the third set, we managed to get back on track. It was very close, but I have to say, that we were facing Austria’s multiple national champions. Therefore, I have to congratulate my team on this great win.”, OK Merkur MARIBOR head coach Sebastijan Skorc said.
Rok Mozic (SLO) and Ahmed Ikhbayri (LBA) top scored for OK Merkur MARIBOR with 20 and 18 points, respectively, while Max Landfahrer (AUT) and Konrad Formela (POL) split the best scorer’s honours for the away side with 15 points each. Stats: spikes 51 vs 48, aces 5 vs 9, blocks 7 vs 4, opponent errors 30 vs 28.
PHOTO © OK Merkur MARIBOR
Next week, SK Zadruga AICH/DOB will play two consecutive matches with VK Dukla LIBEREC of the Czech Republic scheduled for the Round of 16 of the CEV Volleyball Cup 2021. Both matchups will be taking place in the JUFA-Arena Bleiburg on Tuesday and Wednesday.
MEVZA League main round
13.11.: OK Merkur Maribor (SLO) vs. SK Zadruga Aich/Dob (AUT) 3-1 (25-18, 25-22, 17-25, 26-24)
15.11., 18:30: UVC Holding Graz (AUT) vs. OK Calcit Kamnik (SLO)
results, stats, schedule, standing
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