The team of Ślepsk Malow Suwałki started the 2025/2026 PlusLiga season with a home defeat against the strong favourite Asseco Resovia Rzeszów with a score of 1:3 (25:17, 16:25, 17:25, 18:25). Despite the result, the hosts showed good moments in their play, especially in the first set, when they decisively outplayed their more skilled opponent.
🏐 Strong start for Suwałki and an active Asparuhov
In the first set, the hosts surprised Resovia with aggressive serving and a stable block. Bartosz Filipiak scored an ace for 13:8, and the experienced middle blocker David Smith scored three points from blocks. At this stage, Resovia had only 31% attack efficiency, while Ślepsk controlled the tempo and deservedly took a convincing 25:17 lead.
🔄 The favourite's comeback
In the second set, Resovia, strengthened by a total of 10 new additions, including Olympic vice-champion Marcin Janusz and bronze medalist from the last World Championship Artur Szalpuk, found their rhythm.
The new coach Massimo Botti (who came from champion LUK Lublin) made changes, and Karol Butryn took the lead with powerful serves – three direct aces for an 8:2 advantage. The visitors pulled ahead to 16:6 and won the set 25:16.
In the third set, Szalpuk already dominated in attack, taking the lead and bringing Resovia to 25:17. For the hosts, this was a difficult period – synchronization was lacking, and substitutions did not provide the necessary momentum.
⚡ Emotional fourth set and a memorable moment for Asparuhov
In the fourth set, Suwałki fought on equal terms until the middle of the set. After a strong serving run by Asparuhov, the difference narrowed to 15:16. The Bulgarian brought momentum, but Resovia's experience and block decided everything in the end — the visitors closed the set 25:18, and Artur Szalpuk was deservedly chosen as MVP with 22 points (1 block).
📊 Individual statistics
| Player | Team | Points | Aces | Blocks | Attack efficiency | Reception – perfect / positive | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asparuh Asparuhov | Ślepsk Malow Suwałki | 14 | 1 | 1 | 50% | 7% / 34% | +7 |
| Bartosz Filipiak | Ślepsk Malow Suwałki | 15 | 2 | 0 | - | - | - |
| David Smith | Ślepsk Malow Suwałki | 3 | 0 | 3 | - | - | - |
| Artur Szalpuk | Asseco Resovia Rzeszów | 22 | 0 | 1 | - | - | - |
| Karol Butryn | Asseco Resovia Rzeszów | 16 | 4 | 2 | - | - | - |
| Deny Demianenko | Asseco Resovia Rzeszów | 12 | 0 | 5 | - | - | - |
Ślepsk demonstrated potential and good preparation in the first game, but could not maintain the level against Resovia's much broader and more balanced squad.
Asparuh Asparuhov, who debuted in the Polish league as a world vice-champion, contributed with good reception stability and attack efficiency. The Bulgarian finished the match with 14 points (1 ace, 1 block, 50% attack efficiency, 7% perfect and 34% positive reception, +7).
MVP: Artur Szalpuk (Asseco Resovia Rzeszów)
