Slovenia's volleyball players successfully started their participation in the Nations League, defeating Cuba 3-1 in sets. Only in the second set did the Cubans find an answer to the powerful play of the Europeans, but this was not enough to change the outcome of the match.

Variable start

The match began with an even game and an exchange of points. Neither team managed to gain a stable lead. The Slovenians took a 13:11 lead thanks to Toncek Stern, but the Cubans responded through Marlon Yant and took a 16:14 lead. Nevertheless, the Europeans, led by Tine Urnaut and Rok Mozic, regained control and took the first set 25:22, even though the Cubans equalized at 22:22.

The Cuban response

In the second set, Cuba started better with a powerful serving run from Masso. With their good blocking play, they took an 11:8 lead. The Slovenians managed to get back into the match thanks to errors from their opponent, but in crucial moments Gutierrez and Concepcion were flawless in attack. Cuba closed the set 25:21.

European dominance

The third set began with a strong performance from Jan Kozamernik on serve, which gave Slovenia an early 6:1 lead. Yant tried to bring Cuba back into the match, but the Slovenians dominated. Mozic and Urnaut were almost unstoppable, and their lead reached 15:9. Slovenia demonstrated stable play in defense and blocking, decisively winning the set 25:18.

Final push and secure victory

In the fourth set, the Slovenians did not slow down. They capitalized on errors by Stalekar and took a 9:5 lead. With each subsequent block, Slovenia increased its lead, while Cuba looked increasingly helpless (16:7). Ace serves from Urnaut and Mozic added more points, and even three consecutive blocks from Cuba did not change the outcome. After a service error from the Caribbeans, Slovenia secured their first victory 25:15.

Final score:

Slovenia Cuba 3:1
(25:22, 21:25, 25:18, 25:15)

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Photo:volleyballworld.com