Bulgarian international Damyan Kolev played a strong match for Ludwigsburg, who achieved their fourth consecutive victory in the German Bundesliga. The team, known as Barock Volleys, dramatically prevailed as guests against Warnemünde with a 3:2 (21:25, 25:23, 22:25, 25:18, 15:6) score and continues undefeated since the start of the season.
The match offered serious twists, with the hosts twice taking the lead in sets. Warnemünde won the first set 25:21, but the guests equalized after 25:23 in the second. The third set was again for the hosts – 25:22, before Ludwigsburg imposed their will in the final part of the match.
Barock Volleys equalized after 25:18 in the fourth set, and in the tie-break, they left no chances for their opponent. The guests took a convincing lead and finished the match with a decisive 15:6.
Kolev with stable reception
Damyan Kolev started as the titular libero and remained on the court for all five sets. The Bulgarian was among the key figures in organizing the reception, taking 29 serves and finishing with 55% positive and 45% excellent reception. Only two errors were recorded in his statistical record.
The most effective player for the winners was Adrian Mol with 18 points, including 16 from attack and 2 aces. Marius Büchi added 17 points, and Tim Köpfli contributed 13.
For Warnemünde, Gabriel Thüs scored 21 points, while Shae McIntyre and Antti Taponen finished with 12 each.
The hosts had an advantage in attack points – 54 against 51, as well as in blocks – 12:9. Both teams scored 8 aces each, but Ludwigsburg showed higher efficiency in attack – 50% against 43%.
The difference in the tie-break proved decisive. The guests made 6 successful attacks from just 8 attempts, which brought them an impressive 75% success rate. Warnemünde remained with only 24% in this indicator.
Four wins from four matches, but Ludwigsburg is fourth
After the success, Barock Volleys occupies fourth place in the temporary standings of the German Bundesliga with 10 points from four played matches and a set ratio of 12:4.
Although remaining undefeated, Damyan Kolev's team is behind in the standings because two of their victories were achieved after a tie-break.
The leader is Düren, where another Bulgarian international plays – Preslav Petkov. The team has five wins from five matches, a maximum of 15 points, and an impressive 15:0 set ratio.
In second place is Friedrichshafen with 14 points from five matches, and third is Berlin with 12 points from four matches. Thus, Ludwigsburg and Berlin have one less played match than the first two teams.
The standings already reflect Ludwigsburg's victory against Warnemünde on November 3rd, so Barock Volleys' fourth position is current.
Upcoming rounds will show whether Damyan Kolev's team will manage to continue its successful streak and move further up in the standings.