With the 3:0 in the European Cup first leg at home against Walfer (Lux), the volleyball players from Oberbank Steelvolleys Linz-Steg returned to winning ways in time for tomorrow’s top league game against pursuers Sokol/Post (7 p.m.). After the 3-1 loss in Graz last weekend, the first defeat of the season in the league, coach Facundo Morando criticized what he called the “mood” in the team. “By that he meant that we should all keep in mind what it’s all about and what percentage each of us is on the field with,” explains captain Lisa-Marie Hager. There wasn’t much time to come to terms with the first leg in the CEV Challenge Cup, but things went better against the Luxembourgers, “even if we acted a bit cautiously in the first one and a half sets,” says Hager. According to Libera, however, it will not fail against Sokol/Post due to the necessary competition tension. “Because of our rivalry with them, every game has the character of a final,” she refers, among other things, to the final series of the previous season (3: 1). Like the steel volleys, Sokol/Post also gained self-confidence for the league hit with a European Cup victory on Wednesday. The Lower Austrians beat Holte (Den) 3-0 at home. Ried’s men will welcome Graz tomorrow (6 p.m.).
Source: Nachrichten
