Bogdanka LUK Lublin continues undefeated in the Polish PlusLiga, achieving its fifth consecutive victory – 3:1 (25:18, 25:21, 23:25, 25:20) in an away match against Energa Indykpol AZS Olsztyn. The Polish Supercup winner had to overcome serious resistance, especially in the third and fourth sets, but ultimately maintained its perfect record from the start of the season.
The captain of the Bulgarian national team, Alex Grozdanov, started as a regular and finished with 6 points – 4 from attack with 100% efficiency and 2 from block. The Bulgarian middle blocker did not make a single error in his four attacks and made an important contribution to the vice-champions' success.
The match was played in front of 4030 spectators and began with a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the tragic attack in Krakow. During the first set, supporters of both teams refrained from organized cheering.
Bogdanka started stronger, and a series of powerful serves by Wilfredo Leon, including two aces, put the visitors ahead 7:2. The hosts managed to reduce the deficit to two points, but the team from Lublin again increased its lead and won the first set 25:18.
The second set was significantly more even. Olsztyn made it difficult for the opponent's attack, and the score remained close to a tie. At 16:13 for the visitors, Ran Takahashi's serve helped Bogdanka establish control, and in the final rallies, Marcin Komenda distinguished himself with good play at the net. Mousse Gueye sealed the final 25:21.
The hosts found their rhythm in the third set. Moritz Karlitzek made it difficult for Lublin's reception with his serves, and Olsztyn took a 14:11 lead. Bogdanka managed to equalize, but in the hotly contested final phase, Paweł Halaba brought success to the hosts with 25:23.
The fourth set began with even play and a prolonged exchange of successful attacks. For Olsztyn, 21-year-old Kacper Sienkiewicz, who appeared on the court in the second set in place of Artur Szwarc, performed strongly. The young Polish volleyball player finished the match with 10 points and an impressive 71% attack efficiency.
Bogdanka gradually found a way to limit the hosts and took a 14:12 lead. Subsequently, the visitors managed to block Sienkiewicz, and an error by Paweł Halaba further eased their task. The vice-champions maintained their lead and concluded the match with 25:20.
The most effective player for Bogdanka was Wilfredo Leon with 21 points – 17 from attack with 68% efficiency, 3 aces, and one block. The Polish international also impressed with the most powerful serve in the match, reaching a speed of 122 km/h. The next two highest speeds in the Red Bull Super Asów ranking were also his – 114 and 112 km/h.
Ran Takahashi added 18 points, including 16 from attack with 59% efficiency, and was named the most valuable player. Kevin Sasak finished with 15 points, and Mousse Gueye added 7.
For the hosts, Moritz Karlitzek scored 17 points, Paweł Halaba – 12, and Kacper Sienkiewicz – 10.
Statistics show equality in block points – 9 each, as well as in aces – 4 each. The significant difference was in attack, where Bogdanka made 56 successful attacks against 48 for Olsztyn. The visitors finished with 60% efficiency in this element against 52% for the opponent.
The figures from the fourth set were particularly indicative, when Lublin achieved 71% attack efficiency – 15 successful attacks from 21 attempts. The hosts also maintained a good level with 52%, but could not find a solution against the opponent's more effective play.
The victory returned Bogdanka to first place in the temporary standings, ahead of Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie. The team from Lublin remains the only undefeated team in the championship, having already won the Polish Supercup this season.
photo: tauronliga.pl
