BR Volleys snatch a point from Ankara
The Berlin Volleys have pulled off a small surprise in the Champions League. Although the German volleyball champions lost 2:3 (25:19, 21:25, 25:19, 27:29, 10:15) at Halkbank Ankara on the second match day of the group stage on Wednesday, they unexpectedly snatched a point from the high favorites thanks to the two sets they won.
Even more was possible for the strong and combative visitors, but they missed two match points in the fourth set to win 3:1. The Volleys' next opponent in the premier class is the Italian championship third-placed GSD Piacenza in two weeks' time, again away from home.
The BR Volleys impressed throughout with a disrespectful performance in Ankara. Timothee Carle and diagonal attacker Marek Sotola proved their offensive power. Middle blocker Timo Tammemaa repeatedly caused the opponents problems with his consistent block defense and powerful serves.
The volleys needed nerves of steel in the third set. After minutes of discussion, a challenge was decided highly controversially in favor of the Turks. Instead of 18:15, the score was only 17:16, but after Ankara's Earvin N'Gapeth was shown a red card for complaining, the Berliners pulled 22:17 ahead again shortly afterwards.
In the fourth set, the visitors were unable to capitalize on two match points to win 3:1 and had to concede defeat on their opponents' third set point after inconsistencies in an attempt to defend. Ankara then clearly dominated the tie-break.
Despite the 2:3 loss in the Champions League Group stage match against Halkbank Ankara, BR Volleys managed to secure a point due to their wins in the second and third sets. The Berlin volleyball champions will aim to continue their impressive form when they face Group stage opponents GSD Piacenza in Italy.
Source: www.dpa.com
