Lokomotiv Avia continues its strong run in Super Volley and remains in the fight for first place one round before the end of the regular season. The team from Plovdiv defeated Beroe 2016 at home with a score of 3:1 (25:19, 25:18, 24:26, 25:14) in a match from the 21st round.
Thus, Nayden Naydenov's team recorded its 17th victory in the championship and accumulated 49 points (17 wins, 2 losses). The Plovdiv team holds second place, with the same point tally as leader Levski Sofia, but with a slightly weaker set ratio.
First Set
The start was better for the guests from Stara Zagora, who managed to take an early lead. Gradually, however, Lokomotiv stabilized its play and started winning more rallies in attack.
After the middle of the set, the hosts turned the score around and took the initiative. In the closing points, the Plovdiv team showed better concentration and won the set with 25:19.
Second Set
The second set started evenly, with both teams staying close in score until the initial points. After that, Lokomotiv gradually began to dictate its pace.
With a stronger serve and stable block play, the hosts increased their lead. Thus, "the Black-Whites" convincingly closed the set with 25:18.
Third Set
The Plovdiv team started better in the third set as well, but Beroe showed character and gradually turned the tide of the game. The Stara Zagora team improved their attacking efficiency and took the lead in the score.
At the end of the set, Lokomotiv had the opportunity to finish the match, reaching two set points. However, Beroe performed better in the decisive rallies and dramatically won the set with 26:24.
Fourth Set
The lost set did not deter the hosts, who started the next set strongly. Lokomotiv applied serious pressure with their serves and quickly built up a lead.
Until the end, the Plovdiv team completely controlled the game. They closed the set at 25:14 and won the match with a score of 3:1.
Top Scorers and MVP
Lokomotiv's libero Martin Ivanov was awarded as the MVP of the match.
The top scorers for the winners were Todor Valchev and Dimitar Dulchev with 19 points each, while Kristiyan Aleksov added 15 points. For Beroe, Velizar Chernokozhev scored 18 points, and Ras Jessie Delancy contributed 16 points.
Team Statistics
| Indicator | Lokomotiv Avia | Beroe |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | 10 | 5 |
| Attack efficiency | 57% | 45% |
| Points from attack | 55 | 46 |
| Positive reception | 48% | 44% |
| Aces | 10 | 5 |
| Service errors | 15 | 13 |
| Points from opponent errors | 24 | 21 |
| Total points scored | 99 | 77 |
The statistics clearly highlight the advantage of the Plovdiv team in the key elements of the game. Lokomotiv has better attack efficiency, twice as many blocks, and a significant superiority in direct points from service.
It was precisely these components that tipped the scales in favor of the hosts and brought them another three points.
The other two matches of the round had expected outcomes. Pirin won as a guest against Cherno More with3:0(27:25,25:22,25:23), and Montana prevailed over Slavia with3:1(25:22,22:25,25:15,25:15).
photo: nvl.bg
