VaLePa won their seventh Finnish Cup win. Akaa-Volley played for the first time in the final match of the Cup.
SpongeBob Forsberg,
Manu Myllyaho
VaLePa is again celebrating the victory of the men’s Finnish Cup in volleyball. The team defeated Akaa-Volley, who played in the Cup final for the first time, straight in three sets (25–11, 25–19, 25–20).
VaLePa won the first set sovereignly. In the second set, Akaa got into the game a little better. In the third set, Akaa took a 5–1 lead, when VaLePa took overtime. After that, the people of Sastamala ran alongside and past. At the end of the set, Akaa came within a point at 21–20, but VaLePa withstood the pressure and advanced to the championship.
– We pressed so hard with our own pass that Akaa couldn’t respond. Nervous game from both teams. We were better in attack and defense today. We got two good games this weekend. Good confidence for the playoffs, VaLePa coach Janne Kangaskokko said.
VaLePa had beaten Savo-Volley in the semi-final on Saturday and Akaa had beaten Hurrikana.
Konkars celebrate in moderation
Having won its seventh Cup championship, VaLePa is the long-lasting success of the Finnish Cup. The team won the Cup five times in a row between 2016 and 2020, and after one gap year returned as the Cup reigning champion. Savo-Volley won the previous Cup.
VaLePa’s volleyball icon Mikko Esko said that winning feels especially good after a gap year.
– This is great when there are a few new guys who haven’t won. Great to win with them. We played a top match, hard work from start to finish. There were a few weak moments within the sets, but the belief in victory was strong and we played one of the best games of the season.
VaLePa will next face Hurricane in the Champions League on Wednesday. Esko, 44, was not aware of the victory celebration in the Cup hum.
– I was thinking of going to the pound in the morning. At least I don’t have any parties. I don’t know about those younger people, but at this age you can’t party anymore.
Another VaLePa hero Urpo Sivula instead, planned to celebrate in moderation.
– If I would take a couple of recovery drinks in the sauna and then go home in good time.
Sivula, who has won seven Finnish Cups, was particularly satisfied with yesterday’s semi-final against Savo-Volley.
– We won it as a team. Our general players were really tough. I had a bit of a bad day myself, but I knew what was causing it and I was able to fix it. After that, the result is like that, the most effective player of the match (14/+9) Sivula said.