Akaa-Volley was hosting Hurrikaani-Loimaa on Wednesday evening. It took the three points in its table and is leading the Finnish League at the moment (Sarjataulukot - Mestaruusliiga). The result was 3 – 1 (17-25,25-16,25-22,26-24) in front of 526 spectators. Once again, there was the really fine atmosphere in Akaa Areena and the players enjoyed the feeling.
Greg Petty returned in Akaa Areena (he played for Akaa-Volley in the last season) but in Hurrikaani’s black and yellow colors this time. Anyhow, he was one of the favourites among Akaa fans in the last winter and got a lot of attention by the crowd on Wednesday. And he played very well (20/+6). He was selected as the most valuable player in Hurrikaani-Loimaa but could not pull his team in victory.
Akaa-Volley was better in serves (5 aces against 3 by Hurrikaani), in reception (66% / 46%), in attacks (48% / 44%) and in blocks (10 / 9). No wonder Olli Kunnari’s players were smiling after the match. The Hurrikaani-coach Olli Kuoksa admitted that his team was too weak in serves and reception: ”Quite often the home team is more strong in these, but today the difference was too big.”
Kunnari was requesting more meticulousness when the second touch is done by someone else than the setter. That is something to give more attention in the next training sessions. The setter Ilja Ivanov was selected as the most valuable player in Akaa-Volley. The selection was well justifiable when Ivanov did 8/+2 in his column in the statistics – nice result for the setter.
These two teams will meet again on the 25th November and this time in Loimaa. Something to wait for! Anyhow, meanwhile Akaa-Volley will play against KYKY and TUTO in the league and Ribnica Kraljevo (Serbia) in the CEV Challenge Cup.
The libero Louis Pineau played reliably once again; nice defence and 62 % reception
Commentaires