The Berlin Block with Timothee Carle (from left to right), Neheimjah Mote and Johannes Tille in action (archive photo) Photo: picture alliance / nordphoto GmbH / Engler
From BZ/dpa
The Berlin Volleys remain undefeated this season. In the top game of the Volleyball Bundesliga at VfB Friedrichshafen on Friday evening, the German champions won 3-0 (25:21, 25:19, 25:20) thanks to an all-round confident performance.
It was Berlin’s third competitive win against their arch-rivals from Lake Constance in just 19 days. They had previously defeated VfB in the Bounce House Cup (3:0) and in the cup round of 16 (3:2).
An early six-point lead (9:3) in the first round did not give the guests lasting security. VfB shortened the gap and took the lead for the first time ever at 18:17. However, a series of serves by Johannes Tille with four points in a row to make it 22:18 put the Berliners back on track to win the set.
The volleys also dominated the second round with strong serves and solid reception. With an ace from captain Ruben Schott, the team took the lead to 19:15. In the end, substitute Cody Kessel used the first set ball.
Despite the 2-0 set lead, the BR Volleys remained highly concentrated. When Friedrichshafen was once again vaguely hoping for a turnaround after a service point from Poland’s Jan Fornal to make it 18:21, the guests hit back ice-cold. Frenchman Timothee Carle scored the last two points for his team.