Slovenia U20 men win bronze at MEVZA Central European Championship

Slovenia’s men’s U20 national volleyball team won the bronze medal at the MEVZA Central European Championship in Steinbrunn, Austria.

The Slovenian side defeated Israel 3–1 (-23, 20, 16, 23) in the third-place match, CE Report informs via the Federation of Volleyball of Slovenia's official website.

In their final match of the Central European Championship, the Slovenian volleyball players faced Israel after securing first place in Group B with three convincing victories over Hungary, the Czech Republic and Luxembourg, earning a place in the semifinals. There, Slovenia lost 3–2 to hosts Austria after a closely contested match, leaving the team to fight for the bronze medal.

Slovenia started the match somewhat slowly, allowing Israel to take advantage and win the opening set 25–23 after a tight finish. The Slovenian players responded with a more determined performance and quickly took control. They won the second set 25–20 and produced an even more convincing display in the third, winning 25–16 to take a 2–1 lead. The fourth set was also closely contested, but Slovenia remained composed at crucial moments. They won the set 25–23, securing a 3–1 victory and ending their campaign in Austria with a win and the bronze medal.

Group B fixtures:

September 23, 11:30: Slovenia – Hungary 3–0 (16, 21, 21)

September 24, 11:30: Slovenia – Czech Republic 3–1 (22, -23, 23, 23)

September 25, 16:30: Slovenia – Luxembourg 3–0 (19, 15, 17)

Semifinal:

September 26, 19:00: Austria – Slovenia 3–2 (-20, -20, 20, 20, 12)

Third-place match:

September 27, 14:00: Slovenia – Israel 3–1 (-23, 20, 16, 23)

Slovenia squad: Setters Valentin Predan (OK i-Vent Maribor), Jaka Zmagaj (OK Alpacem Kanal); opposites Jan Ručigaj (OK i-Vent Maribor), Marko Schifini Počej (OK Mislinja); outside hitters Liam Klinger (OK i-Vent Maribor), Ožbi Slatinšek, Tevž Slatinšek, Lenart Skudnik (all OK Fužinar); middle blockers Tjaž Jevnikar (OK Mokronog), Tai Dežman (OK i-Vent Maribor), Luka Kralj (ŠD Brezovica), Vid Merkač (OK Fužinar); liberos Aljaž Abraham (OK Fužinar), Maj Škorc (OK i-Vent Maribor).

Coaching staff: Aleš Hribar (head coach), Jernej Smrekar (assistant coach), Alen Križman (statistician), Taja Kobilca (physiotherapist), Boštjan Verčič (team manager).

Photo Federation of Volleyball of Slovenia