In the "Credit24" Baltic Men's Volleyball Champions League matches held over the weekend, Lithuanian teams faced serious challenges against two strong Estonian clubs. The only victory was achieved only by the volleyball players of "Vilnius College-Flamingo Volley", who are clinging to the fourth place in the standings.
On Saturday, the people of Vilnius lost 0-3 (21:25, 19:25, 18:25) at home against the undefeated leader Tartu Bigbank (Estonia). Jonas Rakickas (12 points) and Artūras Vasilijevas (11 points) played the most productive games for the hosts.
"There is no chance of winning when playing against good teams like this. At the beginning of the set, make a few mistakes and the opponents immediately move away. Estonians make good decisions quickly, are versatile, rarely make mistakes, serve consistently and put enough pressure on the receiving line with their years of service. There were gaps, but we could not overcome them structurally, - explained Vasilijus Burakinskis, coach of the Vilnius team. - I can present an allegory with chess. It would be like if we were to play a chess match based on the "chapayev" tactic and the greatest effort would be directed to the strong extension of the index finger during the sprig movement. The reception line - the supporting points in the construction of the volleyball game - tolerated the pressure of the opponents on the serve poorly, and most of the actions of "Čiapajev" when attacking on the edges were closed".
Video of the match:
On Sunday, the volleyball players of "Vilnius College-Flamingo Volley" defeated their main competitor in the fight for the fourth place in the regular season - "Rakvere" 3-2 (25:23, 17:25, 25:10, 17:25, 15:9) after a persistent and changeable fight. VK" (Estonia) team. Lukas Každailis scored 17 points for Vilnius, Robertas Juchnevičius scored 14, A. Vasiljevas 13, J. Rakickas 12.
"I am very happy with the progress and tenacity of the boys. I think this difficult win is more important and useful for us than an easy 3-0 win when everything works out and the sun is shining brightly. On Sunday, the boys managed to beat themselves. Although the game was very choppy and the situation was really difficult at times, the guys tried to stick to the game plan, there were many good decisions and conscious actions. I am glad that they tried to hang on to the game, got rid of the attitude "nothing works" and excuses for why "it doesn't work" in difficult moments, and this transformation of their internal position gave a positive result. All divers of the team have great potential for this activity and if they continue to move in the direction they started on Sunday, they will make great progress this season," said V. Burakinskis.
The coach of the Vilnius team also thanked the fans who gathered in large numbers for the match: "The prophecy of the coach of Rakvere about the small advantage of his pitch has come true. The support of the fans really helped us a lot."
