LATEST NEWS: Pogradec defeats Skënderbeu in the second match

Pogradec - Skënderbeu 3-2(25-23, 24-26, 26-24, 23-25, 15-13)

The second "play-off" match between Pogradec and Skënderbeu has just concluded at the Pogradec Sports Palace. It was a dramatic, exciting, and highly competitive match that lasted for 2 hours and 6 minutes. In the end, Pogradec emerged victorious, leveling the series at 1-1. A third and final match will now be needed to determine the other finalist for this season.

The second set begins again with Skënderbeu in the lead at 1-3, 3-4, and the score is tied at 5-5. Pogradec leads 7-5, but Skënderbeu equalizes again at 9-9. There is total parity in this set, with some of the ties occurring at 14-14, 15-15, and 19-19. In the final points, and specifically after the 22-22 tie, Skënderbeu pushes ahead and needs extra points, with the scoreboard reading 24-24. Skënderbeu takes the last two points, winning 24-26, and the sets are now tied 1-1.

The third set starts with a strong advantage for Skënderbeu, 0-6, and Pogradec struggles to find their rhythm. However, Pogradec begins to rally and scores four points in a row, narrowing the gap to 4-6. Skënderbeu responds with a 6-10 lead, but Pogradec quickly shrinks the advantage to 11-12. The match becomes more exciting, with the score at 14-16. The first tie in this set happens at 17-17, and Pogradec takes the lead for the first time at 19-18. The set is tied again at 20-20, and in the final points, Pogradec leads 23-21, forcing a timeout from Skënderbeu. After the break, the score is tied again at 24-24, and extra points are needed to determine the winner. This time, Pogradec does not falter and wins 26-24, taking a 2-1 lead in sets.

The fifth and final set starts with a tie at 1-1, and later at 4-4, before Skënderbeu takes their first lead at 4-6. Skënderbeu continues to extend their advantage, reaching 5-8, and there’s a timeout for Pogradec. After the break, the score reaches 7-9, and Pogradec fights back, reducing the gap to 9-10. A dramatic moment follows, with the score tied at 10-10. The next moments are truly tense and emotional. Pogradec takes a 13-11 lead, coming close to winning the final set, and ultimately, they win 15-13. With that, Pogradec triumphs 3-2 in sets and celebrates this dramatic victory, defeating the reigning champions.

Now, a third match will be necessary to determine which team will progress to the final of this season, but Pogradec has shown that Skënderbeu faces tough competition this season. In a few days, the final showdown will take place at the "Tamara Nikolla" Sports Palace, where the winner of this southeastern derby will be decided.

 “KORÇA BOOM”