The Herceg Novi volleyball team came remarkably close to securing a triple crown with a victory in Podgorica.

In an impressive display, the defending champions triumphed over Buducnost with a score of 3:1 (25:20, 20:25, 25:21, 25:13) at the Secondary Medical School sports hall. They now have a chance to clinch their third consecutive title in the upcoming home match.

Herceg Novi started strong, capturing eight of the first 11 points and extending their lead to +8 at 21:13. However, Milena Ćetković’s serve revitalized Buducnost, enabling them to score five consecutive points and close the gap to 21:18. Despite a flurry of errors from both sides, Herceg Novi capitalized on their second set point, with an unreturnable spike from Gordana Madžgalj sealing the set at 24:20.

The second set began with Herceg Novi showcasing their formidable block through the tandem of Čabonenko and Galić. Nevertheless, Buducnost responded quickly, taking the lead at 9:8, and maintained momentum to force a timeout from Crnojački after extending their lead. Buducnost played impressively, reaching 17:12, but Herceg Novi rallied with a 5:1 run, narrowing the score. Ultimately, Buducnost’s captain, Mileva Magdelinić, helped secure four set points, converting the first one after a mistake by Vasileva to level the match at 25:20.

With the second set secured, Buducnost entered the third set optimistically but couldn’t hold their advantage for long. In a tightly contested set, Herceg Novi made a significant 5:1 run, pulling ahead by more than two points. With powerful attacks, they widened the gap to +7, finishing the set 25:21 and taking a 2:1 lead in the match.

Buoyant from their third set win, the defending champions dominated the fourth set, mirroring their earlier performance by jumping to an early lead. Buducnost was limited to just 13 points in this decisive set.

Ana Marija Galić led Herceg Novi with 16 points, supported by Daria Čabonenko with 13, Ralitsa Vasileva with 12, and Gordana Madžgalj with 10. For Buducnost, Milena Ćetković was the standout player with 14 points, while captain Mileva Magdelinić contributed 11.

The third match of the series is scheduled to take place at SC “Igralo” on Thursday, May 8th.

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