On 26 October, the SK “Yunist” sports complex of the Olympic Training “Centre municipal enterprise” in Zakarpattia Oblast hosted a match of the second stage of the Ukrainian Volleyball Cup between the teams of UzhNU and Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University, organised by the Ukrainian Volleyball Federation. The Kharkiv ‘aviators’ demonstrated confident play, winning 3:1 in sets.
Confident start for KhNU: 2:0 in sets
The match began with a decisive advantage for the team from Kharkiv. The Kharkiv National University Air Force volleyball players immediately took control of the pace of the game, demonstrating a powerful attacking game. Thanks to effective blocks and attacking strikes, they were able to create a lead in the score. The Uzhnu team tried to resist, but the ‘aviators’ did not give them a chance to seize the initiative.
The first set ended in favour of KhNU with a score of 25:21. In the second set, KhNU continued its dominance. Despite UzhNU’s attempts to rebuild the game and strengthen its defence, the Kharkiv team maintained a high level of concentration. The game was a little more tense, but constant pressure from the ‘aviators’ forced Uzhhorod to make mistakes at key moments. The set again ended with a victory for KhNU with a score of 25:20, increasing their overall lead to 2:0.
UzhNU’s revenge: a change of pace in the third set
On the verge of defeat, the UzhNU volleyball players were able to mobilise and demonstrate true sporting character in the third set. They adjusted their tactics, improved their reception and began to play more aggressively in attack. This time, the UzhNU team took control of the game, imposing a long and exhausting struggle. The Kharkiv team may have relaxed a little after two successful sets, which the Uzhhorod team took advantage of, winning the set 25:20. This victory reduced UzhNU’s deficit to 2:1, restoring the intrigue in the match.
The decisive fourth set was the culmination of the match. Realising that their opponents were ready to fight to the end, the Kharkiv National University of Air Forces players regained their composure and power. They minimised the mistakes that had occurred in the previous set and began to demonstrate coordinated team play again. Effective attacks and reliable defence allowed them to quickly regain their lead. Despite UzhNU’s desperate attempts to get back into the game, KhNU maintained the initiative, finishing the match in their favour with a score of 25:21.
Thus, Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University successfully overcomes the second stage of the Ukrainian Cup!
