In front of 2,567 spectators in the Max-Schmeling Halle, the hosts were only able to fully convince in the first two sets of the evening. Consistently played attacks, a good Benjamin patch and solid work in the block gave the Berliners small runs and finally the decisive advantages.
Volley turn the game
In the first set, Frankfurt quickly led 3-0, but the volleys knew how to defend themselves and quickly turned the game to 4-3. Setter Sergej Grankin provided the volleys with a 16:11 lead for the first five points, and the first set in a row couldn’t be denied.
But neither after the first period nor after the clear 25:17 in the second set did the guests admit defeat. On the contrary: while the volleys in the third set had problems, Frankfurt was now fully there. Coach Christophe’s team confidently converted an interim lead of 20:14 into Frankfurt’s first set win of the semifinals.
Game two on Saturday in Frankfurt
The game was tight in the final section. Neither the volleys nor their opponents managed to break away decisively. After a point from Ruben Schott gave the Berliners the first match point of the evening, it was ultimately another successful block that gave the volleys victory and the important 1-0 lead in the series. The semi-finals continue next Saturday. Then the Frankfurters welcome Cédric Énard’s team to game two.
Source: rbb