DNIPRO and ZOK UB through to #CLVolleyW Round 3
News
The journey of Calcit KAMNIK in the CEV Champions League Volley 2022 ended on Wednesday night after their 1-3 loss at the hands of SC Prometey DNIPRO of Ukraine. As they had recorded a 3-1 home victory last week, as soon as they claimed a 2-1 lead in the re-match, the Ukrainian champions had secured their spot in Round 3 of the competition. After that, the hosts did not seem to have any more energy left and the coaching staff decided to use their younger players to provide them with an opportunity to gain valuable international experience.
Gregor Rozman“We have to admit that the Ukrainians were a little better in both matches and deservedly qualified for the next round. The match was very close and little things decided the outcome - it could easily have turned out differently. We gave our maximum and we knew that they are an experienced team in all six positions. The Ukrainians played maturely in those crucial moments, and we did not have the answers to Kitipova and Dimitrova’s connection. I have nothing to blame the girls for.”
Head coach of Calcit KAMNIK
Elsewhere, ZOK UB secured their spot in the next round of the competition following a comprehensive 3-0 victory (25-16, 25-14, 25-15) over hosts ZOK Bimal-Jedinstvo BRCKO, with Liljana Rankovic the eventual MVP of the game.
Marijana Boricic“Our goal is to reach the group stage of the CEV Champions League, which would mean a big success for Serbian volleyball. Our country has not featured in the group phase of the women’s Champions League for a number of years. I wish Bimal all the best for the remainder of the season.”
Head coach of ZOK UB
Liljana Rankovic, MVP and captain of ZOK UB: “Our performance was not satisfactory, but I want to thank the organisers for the great hospitality. I really like the Bimal-Jedinstvo team, the girls have a very god service which created problems for us in reception. It is clear that both teams have just started the season and need to work more.”
Smail Pezerovic, head coach of ZOK Bimal-Jedinstvo BRCKO: “Although we were aware of the quality of the team from Serbia, we are sorry that we did not show our potential. Congratulations to the team from Ub and I wish them the best of luck for their next matches.”