KAPOSVÁRI ends GEN-I Volley run in #CEVChallengeCupW, secures semi-final spot

On Wednesday night, GEN-I Volley NOVA GORICA hosted KHG KAPOSVÁRI NRC in a CEV Challenge Cup home fixture that showcased moments of strong resistance, tactical changes, and valuable minutes of international competition for younger players. The Hungarian side ultimately claimed a 3-1 victory (25-20, 25-13, 16-25, 25-14) – which, combined with their 3-0 home win on home soil from the previous leg, secures their progression to the semi-finals.

The match opened with an even rhythm, as both teams traded points up to 6-6. Afterwards, the visitors from Hungary gained a slight advantage, forcing GEN-I Volley into an early timeout at 6-8. The home side responded well with a block-out point and stayed close until 11-11. KHG once again found momentum, extending their lead to 14-11 and later to a decisive 18-12. Despite several lineup rotations from the hosts, KHG KAPOSVÁRI NRC controlled the closing phase and secured the first set 25-20. 

The second set began balanced, but the visitors quickly increased the tempo. With strong serving pressure and solid defensive play, the team from Hungary pulled ahead to 10-7 and soon widened the gap to 16-8. GEN-I Volley showed flashes of quality Volleyball but struggled to stop the rhythm of their rivals. KAPOSVÁRI dominated the set and comfortably closed it at 25-13, thereby securing their progression to the semis. 

GEN-I Volley came out determined in the third set. After an even start at 4-4, a lineup change helped the home side gain confidence and momentum. Following a successful challenge, GEN-I took the lead at 9-8 and continued to build pressure. Strong blocking and aggressive play forced the Hungarians into multiple timeouts, with GEN-I extending their lead to 18-11. The home team maintained control and convincingly won the set 25-16. 

KAPOSVÁRI responded strongly in the fourth set, quickly taking control and forcing an early Slovenian timeout at 7-3 in their favour. GEN-I introduced younger players, including Pia Šuligoj, Ana Lončar, and Hana Podbršček, whose energy helped reduce the deficit to 8-11. However, KHG regained dominance after their timeout, re-establishing a clear lead at 19-10. Despite the home side’s valiant effort, KAPOSVÁRI closed the match with a 25-14 set win.

This match ends a valuable European experience for GEN-I Volley, highlighted by a strong third set and promising performances from younger players.