National player Asparuh Asparuhov and his club Ślepsk Malow Suwałki continue their difficult start in the Polish PlusLiga, after recording their fourth consecutive loss. The team from Suwałki dramatically lost as a guest to Steam Hemarpol Politechnika Częstochowa with 2:3 (18:25, 25:23, 21:25, 25:20, 12:15) in a match from the third round of the championship, played in front of nearly 2000 spectators.
The match saw many turnarounds – Częstochowa took the lead, Suwałki equalized, then fell behind again and came back into the game, but in the tie-break, the hosts prevailed with a minimal difference of 15:12.
The Bulgarian receiver continues to be among the most consistent players in Ślepsk's squad. In this match, he distinguished himself with 18 points, achieving 1 block, 53% attack efficiency, and 48% positive reception. With this performance, Asparuhov was second in scoring for the team after opposite Bartosz Filipiak, who finished with 21 points (3 blocks, 1 ace, and 52% attack efficiency). Despite the strong play of both, their efforts were not enough for a victory.
The hosts from Steam Hemarpol Politechnika achieved their first historical victory against Ślepsk. Until now, Częstochowa had four consecutive defeats in direct clashes, with an overall balance of 0:4 and a set ratio of 4:12. Now the streak was broken, and a key role was played by Czech national player Patryk Indra with 24 points (1 block and 59% attack efficiency) and Jakub Kiedos, who added 16 points.
Argentine veteran Luciano De Cecco, the conductor of the winners' attack, was chosen as the MVP of the match, once again demonstrating class and experience in decisive moments.
Before this match, Steam Hemarpol had never beaten Ślepsk Malow Suwałki – four matches, four losses. The set balance was 4:12, and Częstochowa's difficulties against the consistent team from Suwałki were evident both at home and away. Now, however, the team managed to turn history in its favor, and that after a tough and evenly matched battle.
Although Ślepsk failed to win again, Asparuhov's performances are a serious positive for the club. The Bulgarian is solidifying his position as a key element in attack and reception, and his form gives reason for optimism before the upcoming matches.
With this loss, Ślepsk remains without a win since the start of the season, but now has one point and occupies the penultimate 13th place in the provisional standings. The next challenge for the team and Asparuhov is on Wednesday (November 12), when they will host Indykpol AZS Olsztyn in a mid-week match from the fifth round.
After four losses since the start of the season, the clash with Indykpol AZS Olsztyn will be of utmost importance for Ślepsk – not only for a first success but also for restoring self-confidence and the belief that the team can compete in the strong Polish PlusLiga.
