The highly anticipated Montenegrin Women’s Volleyball Cup is reaching its conclusion, with the first semi-final matches set to take place tomorrow. Four coastal teams will vie for a spot in the grand finale, with the initial matches occurring in Bar and Igalo.

Last season’s finalists, the Luka Bar team, will face off against Budva, a newcomer to the elite Montenegrin volleyball league. Under the guidance of Vladimir Milačić, Luka Bar emerged victorious in their only encounter this season, winning 3:0 in the EPCG Super League at Topolica, where the first semi-final match will start at 5 PM. Milačić confidently expressed that his team is prepared for the challenge ahead.

“We are ready to face the young and promising Budva team. I hope we will take the first step towards the Cup final,” Milačić stated briefly.

Filip Jevtović, who has recently taken the helm at Budva, emphasized the significance of this historic double-header for the club’s development.

“They are one of the main contenders not only for the Cup but also for the top position in the EPCG Super League. Our team is very young and has been affected by the departure of several key players and current injuries. This is also our first Cup semi-final in the club’s history, so this two-match encounter with Luka Bar will help us gain valuable experience to further develop our young players. We approach the match free of pressure, eager to deliver our best performance and hoping to find an opportunity in the second leg in front of our home crowd,” Jevtović remarked.

The second semi-final features a local derby that replayed the 2023 Cup final, where Herceg Novi claimed its inaugural trophy. Defending their title, Herceg Novi faces Albatros at 8 PM in their home arena.

Albatros has shown strong performance this season and aims to take on the reigning champions, who faced their first loss of the season against Buducnost in the opening round of the EPCG Super League—to whom Albatros defeated en route to the semi-finals.

“Going into the first semi-final, we recognize that we are up against a much more experienced and stronger team in Herceg Novi. We will approach this semi-final match just as we do all Cup matches. Reflecting on our earlier matches, each encounter has been closely contested, particularly the quarter-final against Buducnost, which proved that we can achieve great things when we band together as a team. For my young squad, reaching the semi-finals is already a significant achievement,” expressed Branka Obradović, visibly proud of their accomplishments thus far.

The match at SC Igalo represents the first of three encounters in two weeks between these city rivals, who will meet again in the EPCG Super League. The initial league match ended in a 3:0 win for Srđan Crnojački’s squad, and the young coach believes fans can look forward to an exciting match.

“I certainly expect thrilling matches. A city derby always brings extra motivation. Fortunately, my team is in good health, and all players will be available except for Radišković, who I hope will join us soon. We’re gradually elevating our level of play and are optimistic about a positive outcome,” said the coach of Herceg Novi.

The Montenegrin Cup semi-finals will be conducted over two legs, which means there won’t be a winner from the individual matches. If necessary, a golden set will determine the winner of the two-leg tie. The second legs are set for February 26th.

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