Budva Volleyball Team Takes Step Toward Next Round in Challenge Cup

The volleyball team from Budva secured a crucial victory against Štrasen from Luxembourg, winning 3-2 in a tightly contested match that marked their first step towards the second round of the Challenge Cup. The team, under the guidance of coach Miljan Bošković, managed to hold their ground at home, demonstrating resilience despite a dip in performance during the fourth set.

Budva initially led the match, taking a 2-1 set advantage. However, a falter in the fourth set allowed Štrasen to push the match into a fifth set. In the deciding tie-break, Budva showcased their strength and determination, ultimately clinching the match. According to Bošković, “Štrasen is an experienced team, and although they have many foreign players, I do not believe they are of a higher quality than us.”

The match was characterized by close competition, with Štrasen nearly claiming the first set after leading 22-21. However, Budva rallied to secure the set 27-25. The second set saw Štrasen respond effectively, overcoming Budva’s late effort to level the score at 24-24 and taking the set 26-24. Budva regained their momentum in the third set, breaking away mid-set with a score of 16-10. Nevertheless, Štrasen matched this performance in the fourth set, pulling ahead to 19-13.

In the final set, Budva started strong, leading 3-0 and reaching an 8-2 advantage at the changeover. The statistics reflected Budva’s overall dominance in key areas. They scored more points from counterattacks (64-55) and had a slight edge in blocks (9-7) and serves (9-7). Despite these strengths, the team struggled with unforced errors, gifting Štrasen 38 points, 11 more than Budva conceded.

Bošković expressed optimism for the upcoming rematch in Luxembourg on November 19, 2023. He emphasized the importance of learning from their mistakes, stating, “I believe we have learned a lesson from this match and that we will perform much better in Luxembourg, as we did in the MEVZA League.” He acknowledged the fatigue from previous matches, particularly against Budućnost, which had taken a toll on the players.

The stakes are high for the return leg. Budva requires at least one more victory for assured advancement. If they lose by a score of 3-0 or 3-1, their European campaign will conclude. Should they lose again by 3-2, the outcome will depend on a “golden set” to determine who advances.

Bošković remains confident, asserting, “There is a great chance for us to win in Luxembourg; we just need to return to our rhythm and value ourselves. If we deliver a performance like we did in the MEVZA League, I am sure we will return with a victory and a place in the next round.” The winner of this two-match series will progress to the round of 16, where they will face the Romanian team Zalau.