ACH Volley Ljubljana has secured its place in the CEV Cup semifinals, triumphing over Fenerbahce Medicana Istanbul with a 3–1 victory in the second leg of their quarterfinal clash. The decisive match took place at the Burhan Felek Volleyball Hall in Istanbul.
Following a narrow 3–2 win in the first match held in Ljubljana, the Slovenian champions solidified their advancement with an impressive performance on the road, securing both victories in the series. This achievement marks ACH Volley’s third time in club history reaching the semifinals of Europe’s second-tier competition, rekindling hopes of lifting the trophy again after their 2007 triumph. Their next challenge will be against Italy’s Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza in the semifinals.
Match Overview
Fenerbahce began the match with strong momentum. The opening set remained tight until 16–15, but the hosts then pulled ahead thanks to a crucial block and an ace from setter Fabian Drzyzga, another ace by Barthelemy Chinenyeze, and a powerful back-row attack from Earvin Ngapeth. Opposite Adis Lagumdzija sealed the set for the Turkish side with a powerful spike, giving them a 25–19 lead.
ACH Volley quickly regrouped in the second set, with opposite Toncek Stern leading their charge. The visitors established an early seven-point advantage and maintained control, despite a late push from Fenerbahce that narrowed the gap to 21–19. The Slovenian side responded decisively with four consecutive points to win the set 25–19, leveling the match.
The third set unfolded in a similar fashion. Stern remained the focal point of ACH’s offense and added two service aces, while Fenerbahce struggled with unforced errors. Although the Turkish team briefly threatened late in the set, ACH Volley closed with three consecutive points. Alen Pajenk delivered the decisive attack to secure the set 25–21, bringing ACH within one set of victory.
After an even start to the fourth set, tied at 7–7, ACH Volley took complete control. Their attack proved virtually unstoppable, boasting an impressive 84 percent success rate in the set. Stern continued to spearhead the effort as the Slovenian champions widened their lead. Two consecutive aces from Stern brought them to match point, and Pajenk emphatically sealed the win with another powerful finish for 25–16, completing a dominant 3–1 victory.
Player Performances
Toncek Stern was deservedly named Most Valuable Player for his exceptional performance, finishing as the match’s top scorer with an outstanding 30 points, which included four aces and a block. Alen Pajenk contributed 12 points, while captain Tine Urnaut added 10.
For Fenerbahce, Adis Lagumdzija led their scoring efforts with 18 points, followed by Earvin Ngapeth with 11 points and Barthelemy Chinenyeze with 10.
Results Summary
Match Result:
Fenerbahce Medicana Istanbul – ACH Volley Ljubljana 1–3 (25–19, 19–25, 21–25, 16–25)
First Leg: ACH Volley 3–2 Fenerbahce
Series Winner: ACH Volley (2–0)
Individual Top Scorers:
- ACH Volley: Toncek Stern 30, Alen Pajenk 12, Tine Urnaut 10
- Fenerbahce: Adis Lagumdzija 18, Earvin Ngapeth 11, Barthelemy Chinenyeze 10
