MEN’S VOLLEYBALL / Skënderbeu fails to reach the Cup final but deserves a Bravo!

Partizani-Skënderbeu 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-22)

Skënderbeu’s men’s volleyball team played their second semifinal match today in the capital, but once again suffered defeat against Partizani, failing to reach the final of this tournament.

Just like in the first match in the southeastern city, Partizani won 3-0, repeating the same result today. This confirms that in Albania, Skënderbeu struggles to compete only against the Reds, as they have secured second place without much contest.

In today’s return match in the capital, the first set started well for Skënderbeu, who took an early 1-3 lead. However, Partizani managed to equalize at 6-6 after some effort. Three consecutive points for Partizani put them ahead 9-6, and although Skënderbeu tried to close the gap, the score remained tight at 12-9 and later at 18-16. In the final moments, Skënderbeu made an impressive comeback to level the score at 21-21, but this was the turning point where the home team pulled away and secured the set 25-22, taking a 1-0 lead.

The second set was the only one where Skënderbeu couldn’t find their rhythm. Despite taking an early 1-4 lead, Partizani quickly equalized at 5-5. From there, the Reds began to gain momentum, leading 12-9 and gradually increasing the gap to 17-11, then 20-13, before sealing the set 25-16, making it 2-0.

The third and final set featured several consecutive ties at 3-3 and 5-5, but then Partizani managed a slight lead at 9-7, 12-10, and later 18-16. Skënderbeu stayed close at 19-18 but was unable to level the score. In the end, Partizani won the set 25-22 and the match 3-0, securing their place in the final of the Albanian Volleyball Cup for men.

Despite the elimination, Arben Prifti’s Skënderbeu deserves praise, proving to be a strong and respectable team this season.

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