ACH Volley Ljubljana clinched their spot in the CEV Cup semifinals by defeating Fenerbahce Medicana Istanbul 3–1 in the quarterfinal second leg at the Burhan Felek Volleyball Hall in Istanbul.
Following a close 3–2 win in the first leg played in Ljubljana, the Slovenian champions confirmed their advancement with a dominant display on the road, securing two victories in the series. This marks ACH Volley’s third time reaching the semifinals of Europe’s second-tier competition, keeping alive their hopes of clinching the trophy again, a feat they last achieved in 2007. They are now set to face Italy’s Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza in the next round.
The host team, Fenerbahce, commenced the match with considerable strength. The score remained competitive until 16–15, but Fenerbahce then created a decisive gap, propelled by a block and an ace from setter Fabian Drzyzga, another ace from Barthelemy Chinenyeze, and a back-row attack by Earvin Ngapeth. Opposite hitter Adis Lagumdzija sealed the set with a powerful spike, securing a 25–19 lead for the Turkish side.
ACH Volley quickly regrouped in the second set, spearheaded by opposite hitter Toncek Stern. The visitors swiftly built a seven-point lead and maintained control, despite a late surge from Fenerbahce that saw them narrow the gap to 21–19. The Slovenian team then responded with four consecutive points, leveling the match with a 25–19 set victory.
The third set mirrored the previous one. Stern remained central to ACH’s offense, contributing two service aces, while Fenerbahce was plagued by several unforced errors. Although the Turkish side mounted a brief threat late in the set, the visitors sealed it with three consecutive points. Pajenk once again delivered a decisive attack to secure the set 25–21, placing ACH Volley just one set away from victory.
After an evenly matched start to the fourth set, tied at 7–7, ACH Volley decisively took control. Their attack became almost unstoppable, achieving an impressive 84 percent success rate in the set. Stern continued to spearhead the offense as the Slovenian champions extended their lead. Two consecutive aces from Stern brought up match point, and Pajenk sealed the victory with another powerful finish for 25–16, completing the 3–1 win.
Toncek Stern was deservedly named Most Valuable Player following an exceptional performance, finishing as the match’s highest scorer with 30 points, which included four aces and a block. Alen Pajenk contributed 12 points, while captain Tine Urnaut added 10.
For Fenerbahce, Adis Lagumdzija led their scoring efforts with 18 points. Earvin Ngapeth contributed 11 points, and Barthelemy Chinenyeze added 10.
Match Result:
Fenerbahce Medicana Istanbul – ACH Volley Ljubljana 1–3 (25–19, 19–25, 21–25, 16–25)
First match: ACH Volley 3–2
ACH Volley win the series 2–0
Top Scorers:
- ACH Volley: Toncek Stern 30, Alen Pajenk 12, Tine Urnaut 10
- Fenerbahce: Adis Lagumdzija 18, Earvin Ngapeth 11, Barthelemy Chinenyeze 10