SVG Lüneburg put an exclamation mark in the top Bundesliga clash against record champions BR Volleys. They won at Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin Lower Saxony 3-0 over their rivals (25:20, 25:20, 25:22). Coach Stefan Hübner’s side have won all seven games this season and, as league leaders, have a clear lead over the Berlin side. For Lüneburg, this was the first league win via volley.
The home team got off to a better start in front of 5,280 fans. Two blocks from setter Fedor Ivanov gave the team a 5-2 lead. But the Lower Saxons resisted. Santeri Välimaa equalized at 13:13 from powerful diagonal striker Christopher Byam. The Berlin team made too many mistakes, SVG managed to run and take the first set.
Lüneburg remained calm when there was a deficit
In the second round he took care of everything Berlin Nolan Flexen with an ace made the score 8:6, but his volley missed several opportunities due to inaccuracy. Jake Hanes is also rarely able to utilize his powers. “Lüne-Hünen” comes back and then moves away a bit. A serve from Byam gave them 17:13. The record champion was increasingly displeased.
Two blocks gave SVG an early lead in the third, but his volleys generated more pressure and a 10:7 lead. But the ball continued to enter Lüneburg’s block. The set was even until the deciding phase. Once again the guests remained calm and victorious.
Last season, Volleys excelled against their rivals in the playoff final and DVV Cup, but fell short in the prestigious Champions League against Lower Saxony. In the League Cup before this season, both teams had an interesting match – that time with the better ending for the Berlin team.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251112-930-285178/1
