LATEST NEWS: Skënderbeu defeats Partizani, one step away from the final

Partizani-Skënderbeu 1-3 (16-25, 25-22, 19-25, 13-25)

Skënderbeu in women’s volleyball seems determined not to let go of any trophies this season, and they have just defeated Partizani 3-1 in the first semifinal of the Albanian Cup held at the “Asllan Rusi” sports hall in the capital. Now, they are just one step away from the final, with the return match to be played next week at the “Tamara Nikolla” sports hall.

The girls of Orlando Koja only dropped one set, the second one, while the other sets were controlled by the champions, who dominated Partizani, bringing the final within reach.

The first set of the match started well for Skënderbeu, leading 1-6 early on. Partizani scored four consecutive points to reduce the gap to 5-6. Then, Skënderbeu maintained the lead at 8-12, and extended it to 10-15, 14-21, eventually winning 16-25, taking a 1-0 set lead. This set lasted 22 minutes.

In the second set, Skënderbeu started with a 1-3 advantage, but Partizani equalized at 4-4. For the first time, Partizani took the lead at 7-5, and the set became competitive, with the score tied at 11-11. Skënderbeu was ahead again at 14-15, but Partizani led 16-15. The set was competitive, with Partizani leading 19-16 and later 23-19. Finally, Partizani won 25-22, leveling the match at 1-1. This set was the most exciting and competitive, lasting 27 minutes.

The third set began with a 2-2 tie, but Skënderbeu regained the lead at 4-6. They extended their lead to 5-9, 8-15, and 10-17, creating a decisive advantage. Skënderbeu continued to lead at 13-18, 16-22, and eventually won 19-25, taking a 2-1 set lead. This set lasted 25 minutes.

The fourth and final set began with Partizani leading 2-0. However, Skënderbeu quickly responded, taking the lead at 4-7. After a timeout, Skënderbeu extended their lead to 4-10, and then to 7-14, 9-17, and 12-22. Ultimately, they won 13-25, securing the match with a 3-1 set victory.

Thus, Skënderbeu won the first semifinal match of the Albanian Cup. The next match will be played on Tuesday, February 25th, at 17:00 at the “Tamara Nikolla” sports hall.

Good luck to Skënderbeu, and the final looks likely to be a clash between Skënderbeu and Tirana, as Tirana also won 2-3 today in Durrës against Teuta.

CREATED by:

“KORÇA BOOM”