The Montenegrin volleyball team put up a commendable performance against one of the top teams in the Golden League but fell short, winning only one set in their match against Israel, concluding with a score of 3:1 (25:27, 25:20, 25:15, 25:21).

The only national team to have won all their league matches, Israel continued their winning streak in Strumica. Coach Ivica Jevtić’s squad will take on the local team, North Macedonia, tomorrow in a crucial match to maintain their status in the Golden League.

Our young team’s performance was impressive, especially considering they were without their veteran center, Luka Babić, due to injury. Despite a weaker showing in the third set, they showcased solid skills throughout the match.

In the opening set, Jovović and his teammates hinted at their potential by taking the lead after a closely contested battle of over 35 points. They rallied for a 4:0 run, turning a tight game into a 23:19 lead. However, the inexperience showed as they couldn’t close it out. Israel fought back to 23:23 but missed set point, allowing our team to capitalize on the third chance to win it, 27:25.

Israel proved why they are the top seed as they bounced back in the second set. After falling behind, they executed a 4:0 run to turn the score to 16:14 and successfully defended against Montenegro’s attacks to level the match at 25:20.

In the next set, Israel found their rhythm after about twenty points, leaving our team struggling to find answers as the lead widened to 25:15. Nevertheless, Peruničić and his teammates remained undeterred by the 10-point deficit.

Although Israel maintained control for much of the match, Montenegro rallied to close within two points near the end. However, the final three points were secured by Israel, giving them a 25:21 victory.

The standout performance came from Đorđe Jovović, who scored 26 points, followed by Nemanja Peruničić with 15. Other contributors included Ćinćur (8), Đurović (6), and Hadžisalihović (5). For Israel, Rura led with 22 points, while Liberman added 20.

Israel clinched the top position with six wins, and Montenegro faces a must-win match tomorrow at 20:00 against North Macedonia. To secure a chance for next season’s Golden League, they need to win in a maximum of four sets.

MONTENEGRO – ISRAEL 1:3 (27:25, 20:25, 15:25, 21:25)

Strumica – SD “Park”. Spectators: Judges: Hristvov (S. Macedonia), Krticka (Czech Republic).

Montenegro: Dubak, Ćinćur 8, Peruničić 15, Hadžisalihović 7, M. Joksimović, A. Joksimović (libero), V. Milenković, R. Milenković, Lečić, Lojić, Jovović 26, Rovčanin, Đurović 6, Radević (libero). Coach: Ivica Jevtić.

Israel: Liberman 20, Bachakala 7, Goldrin 11, Ariel 1, Maron, Hazan 8, Roitman (libero), Kopilevich, Haver, Rura 22, Halachmi (libero), Chansky. Coach: Itamar Stein.

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