JKU USI Linz vs Union Mühlbach

In the first match of the day the Kepler Volleys played against Union Mühlbach. Union Mühlbach started off strongly, and forced Kepler Volleys into an early timeout (3:6). This seemed to be a necessary wake-up call, and the game was soon level again (6:6). Now the teams were about as even as they could be, no team could gain more than a one point lead and the spectators got to see amazing attacks, blocks, and digs. Eventually, Union Mühlbach started to get away a little bit (16:18). At 17:20 the Kepler Volleys took their second timeout, as their opponents seemed to gain momentum. And yet again, the timeout worked out well. After scoring on the next sideout, the Kepler Volleys managed to win the set 25:23.

Set number two started similar to the first one. Union Mühlbach gained an early lead. But this time, the timeout taken by the Kepler Volleys (4:8) did not help too much. After the seemed to be lost already (10:17) the Kepler Volleys started a comeback and nearly equalized at 22:23. But the effort was not enough and Mühlbach won the set (22:25).

In the third set the Kepler Volleys were able to get a small lead in the beginning of a set (8:6). A series of strong serves combined with good blocks and defense benefited them in the middle, and got them 17:10 in front. They did not let up and won the set 25:17.

Now only one set separates the Kepler Volleys from a guaranteed qualification to the Final Four with the chance to win the 3rd Landesliga. But Mühlbach did not give up yet. The start of the fourth set was balanced (10:10). Then the Kepler Volleys could score some break points (16:13). This seemed to break the game flow of Mühlbach. The Kepler Volleys went on to win the match with 25:15 in the fourth set. (Match details)

JKU USI Linz Volleyball vs DSG Union Gutau

After a 30 minute break, DSG Union Gutau took the court to defend their position at the top of the standings. A win against Kepler Volleys would keep them at the top of the standings and secure them a spot in the Final Four. But the game started in favor of Kepler Volleys (8-5). Gutau came back quickly (8:10), but could not keep the lead for long (11:10). Now both teams exchanged mostly sideout points (17:17), before the Kepler Volleys scored five points in a strong rotation (22:17) and did not let Gutau come any closer in the set (25:19).

The Kepler Volleys started the second set well (6:3), but Gutau answered immediately (6:7). From then on, both teams fought hard for every single point, but no team could take a real advantage. Finally, DSG Union Gutau took a three-point lead (15-18). And that was all they needed to win the second set, as Kepler Volleys could not recover from this three-point deficit (20:25).

Suddenly the match was even again. Kepler Volleys started incredibly strong again and took an 11-4 lead. Although DSG Union Gutau came back into the game, they had no chance to turn the set around. The set ended 25:21. In the fourth set, Gutau played better again and the set developed into a balanced battle (5:5). The set was balanced until 14:14. Then, similar to the last set of the first game, the Kepler Volleys scored some points in a row (18:14). And in games like this, four points in a row can be the deciding factor. Although Gutau played well and fought hard for every point, they could not come back. Kepler Volleys won the set 25:19. (Match details)

In the third game of the day, Union Mühlbach beat DSG Union Gutau 3:1 (21:25, 25:18, 25:20, 25:15). But that was not enough for the Kepler Volleys as the other two teams had no chance to overtake them. (Final standings)

With the first place after the regular season Kepler Volleys will play on April 6th against the 2nd of the 3rd Landesliga West, which is McDonalds Supervolley Wels 1. Union Mühlbach will play against UVC McDonalds Ried im Innkreis 2 and the winner of this match will play for the championship title.