JKU USI Linz Volleyball vs VC DSG Union Altenberg

Since we played a test game against VC DSG Union Altenberg only a week ago we knew who we were up against. Compared to the very even test game we got off to a great start. We played concentrated and effectively, and could even gain a 20:7 lead. Altenberg however did not give up that set at all, and fought back strongly. In the end we won the set by 25:20.

The second set was a close one from start to finish. Altenberg could keep on the pressure from the end of the last set and no team could gain a significant lead. Fortunately, we were able to take the set at 25:23.

After gaining a small lead in the 3rd set (11:8) we could once more take advantage of our strongest rotation. With six points in a row, we got in a similar position as in the first set. But this time we did not let our guard down but played with our full strength until the end. With 25:12 in this set, we got ourselves the first win of the season.

JKU USI Linz Volleyball vs Union Mühlbach

After watching the Union Mühlbach play against VC DSG Union Altenberg we knew, that this game would be more difficult. And it was. From the very start of the match Union Mühlbach showed that they can play good volleyball, and we had to play our best to keep the set somewhat close (6:8). But after this phase, we could not keep up anymore, and went behind further and further (12:21). It looked like we just didn't have what it would take to beat them. But the set was not yet over, and we managed to regain point after point. The effort was not enough though, we lost the first set with 20:25.

In the second set, we could keep up with Union Mühlbach far longer. Both teams fought hard for every single point in this gripping and high-level match. Up to 16:17 really any of the two teams had a good chance of winning this set. Finally, there were two short streaks of three points each for Union Mühlbach, which finally decided the set, and won Union Mühlbach the second set (19:25).

It was clear to us, that we needed to change something if we didn't want to lose this game. We went into the third set with some strategic adjustments and with one goal: Winning. We started with really good momentum (7:1), but were soon brought back to earth (7:6). Still, we managed to keep the lead. After extensive streaks on both sides (14:7, 16:17), we were again close to losing this match 3:0. Pushed by our fans (and a little bit of luck :) ) we could decide this battle in our favor and pull ourselves back into the game (25:22).

The first half of set number four was as even as it could get. No team was able to gain more than two points on the others (14:13). But then we could disrupt the game of Union Mühlbach with a few good serves and blocks back to back. For the rest of this set Union Mühlbach was not able to fully recover from that, and we took the set with 25:17.

Now, already two hours into this thrilling match, it was time for the golden set. Union Mühlbach was back to full strength and a real battle emerged. We were able to get into the lead multiple times, but Union Mühlbach always caught up a few points later (7:5, 7:7, 11:7, 11:11). At this point we took a timeout and gathered our strength one last time. And it paid off! We managed to beat Union Mühlbach 15:12 in the deciding set and therefore won the game by 3:2.

In the end, we were able to win both games, although it was incredibly close. The five points from today bring us to second place in the league, only behind Oberbank Steelvolleys Linz-Steg 2, who we will face in three weeks.

Shoutout to both VC DSG Union Altenberg and Union Mühlbach for a great gameday!