Bogdanka LUK Lublin will winter at the top after a difficult but clean victory over Projekt Warszawa
BOGDANKA LUK Lublin defeated Projekt Warszawa 3-0 (27:25, 25:22, 25:23) in the Polish PlusLiga derby played on December 23, and will meet the winter break as the sole leader in the standings.
The match was far more complicated than the final score suggests. The team from the capital arrived in Lublin with only seven players, after an illness struck down most of the squad.
Despite an extremely limited rotation, Tommi Tiilikainen's team pushed the champions to their limits, who in turn had rested their star, Wilfredo Leon.
Not a single set went smoothly for the hosts. The first part was decided only in overtime, after Bogdanka had to exert its maximum effort to break the opponent's resistance. In the second set, Lublin even overcame a five-point deficit, with Malinowski's serve playing a key role. In the third set, the hosts took a more confident lead, but by the end, the advantage dwindled to one point. After a timeout called by the displeased Stefan Antiga, his compatriot Tilli from the visiting team made a service error and ended the match.
Malinowski played a perfect match and was deservedly named MVP.
The captain of the Bulgarian national team, Alex Grozdanov, also made a solid contribution to the victory.
Individual Highlights
Malinowski (Bogdanka) – 15 points, +13, 2 aces at key moments, 52% attack efficiency, 36% overall efficiency
Jakub Wachnik (Bogdanka) – 13 points
Alex Grozdanov (Bogdanka) – 5 points, +5, 1 block, 56% attack efficiency with 57% overall efficiency; sought 7 times by setter Marcin Komenda; no errors in 12 serves
Brandon Koppers (Projekt) – 18 points
Damian Wojtaszek (Projekt) – 10 points
Team Statistics
| Metric | Bogdanka LUK Lublin | Projekt Warszawa |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | 5 | 9 |
| Aces | 3 | 1 |
| Attack (%) | 53% | 46% |
| Positive reception | 44% | 50% |
| Total points | 56 | 53 |
Despite the loss, Project Warsaw excelled in blocking (9 to 5) and positive reception, which clearly shows how competitive the visitors were even with seven players. The difference came from Bogdanka's higher attacking efficiency and better serving performance in crucial moments, especially in the second set. The minimal difference in total points (56:53) is the best proof of the actual course of the match.
One of the most curious and telling moments in the match between Bogdanka LUK Lublin and PGE Project Warsaw was related toDamian Wojtaszek. The volleyball player, who is typically a purelibero, was forced to playas an outside hitterdue to serious health problems in the capital team's squad.
Despite the emergency situation, Project did not break. On the contrary – the team played equally against the champions and made the match extremely difficult for Bogdanka. The brightest symbol of this character was Wojtaszek himself.
The libero performedsurprisingly confidently as an outside hitter, finishing the match with10 points:
8 points from attack
2 points from block, including a direct block against MVP Mateusz Malinowski
42% attack efficiency
69% positive receptionand38% perfect
13 executed serves without a single error
The fact that a player, accustomed entirely to defensive functions, not only physically and tactically endured his new role but also finished as the team's second-highest scorer, speaks volumes about Wojtaszek's qualities and professionalism.
Unusual positions and actions of PGE Projekt Warszawa's volleyball players:
Damian Wojtaszek (libero)
Played as a receiver.
He actively participated in attack, including scoring points from high balls and attacks from zone six. He also recorded point blocks, atypical for a libero, distinguishing himself with a double-digit scoring record and receiving applause from the entire hall.Michał Kozłowski (setter)
Used as a middle blocker.
He participated in blocking at the net and performed successfully, executing 2 point blocks against opposing attackers, and also added a point in attack.Jan Firlej (setter)
He attacked as anopposite/outside hitter, including from the right side.
Besides setting, he took on finishing attacks - 6 points, +6, 1 ace, 1 block.Yurii Semeniuk (middle blocker)
He attacked fromzone six, atypical for a middle blocker.
He was involved in improvised attacking combinations from the back row.
These forced changes transformed the Project Warsaw squad into a unique volleyball experiment, where players in defensive and organizational positions took on leading roles in attack and block.
This match will be remembered not only as a victory for the PlusLiga leader but also as an example of how even in an almost hopeless personnel situation, a team can be competitive, and individual volleyball players can transcend their usual role.
With this success, Bogdanka LUK Lublin accumulates 30 points and will winter in first place in the Polish championship standings.
photos:plusliga.pl
