KFUM B   3-0   Falköpings VK 

(25-20, 25-16, 25-11)

Team sheet:    Ali Alipour, William Jacobsen, Bobby Peck (spikers)
                          Ala Sultan (setter/spiker)

                          Arash Issabakhsh (setter)
                          Julius Mader, Lukas Ridderstråle (centres)
                          Jakub Przybyla (libero)

Coach: Isak Sjölin

Herr B ended the season on a high note with a resounding victory that secured 6th place in Division 2. 

This match was originally scheduled for January but postponed due to illness in Falköping’s team, making it the very last fixture in Division 2 17/18. With all other results confirmed, KFUM and Falköping started the day tied exactly in the table on points, matches won and lost and even sets won and lost! Thus the match ended up being a direct shootout for which team would finish 6th and which would finish 7th.

KFUM employed a two-setter system from the start, with Ala starting as setter in each set then switching to opposite, while Ali started at opposite before being replaced in the back court by Arash who took over the setter’s duties. KFUM started somewhat shakily in the first set, struggling to pull clear of Falköping and making too many errors, especially in service. However, the guys hung in and eventually KFUM’s attacking options started to pressurise Falköping’s defence, taking the set 25-20.

From there KFUM started to take control of the match and relax into playing some good volleyball. As the defence and reception sharpened up, KFUM’s centres Julius and Lukas became a dominant force, making numerous kills. The potency of the threat from the middle paid dividends for the outside spikers as Falköping struggled to close the block. At the same time, better serves from KFUM started to restrict Falköping’s attack, making it very difficult for them to kill the ball. KFUM comfortably took home the second set, 25-16.

This pattern of play continued through the third set, with KFUM’s firm grip on the match never in serious danger. Focused serve, organised play on court and powerful centres were the key to winning the third set 25-11 and completing the 3-0 victory - Bobby finishing the game in style with a big ace.

Every player today showed their ability with an excellent team performance. Special mention should go to Lukas who put in a dominant performance at centre, both in attack and block. Jakub also showed his qualities in the libero role, leading the defence both through example and good communication. Both setters, Ala and Arash, used their craft and game management to consistently stress Falköping’s defence and construct the win. 

This was a positive end to a season during which Herr B have improved a huge amount since the autumn, yet we still have room (and the ability) for much more improvement. Now that Herr A have won the division and are moving up to Division 1 next year, we will train hard  to build on and further develop the potential of our young squad with the intention of competing for the top places in Div 2 next year!