22-JUNE-2012
BUGARIA EDGE ARGENTINA IN A THRILLER

Bulgaria edged a thrilling 3-2 (22-25, 25-11, 26-24, 17-25, 15-11) win over Argentina in their first match of the weekend in the 2012 FIVB Volleyball World League in Guimaraes, Portugal on Friday.

Tsvetan Sokolov topped the scores for Bulgaria with 29 points while Ivan Castellani scored 21 for Argentina.

Both sides started well, with Argentina’s work in reception pinning the Bulgarian blocking effort back. Argentina held a four-point advantage at the second technical timeout but Bulgaria reacted, using their serve to draw level. However Argentina reorganized once again to claim the set.

Bulgaria came storming into the second, taking a quick thre point lead. Argentina called for a time out but it proved pointless as Bulgaria continued the onslaught all the way through the set, bringing the scores level.

Bulgaria again started well in the third, with Todor Skrimov, who scored 11 points in the frame, leading by example. But Argentina surged back, taking a 16-10 lead. But Bulgaria were not about to roll aside as they came right back into the match at 16-all. Argentina took the lead once more but a Sokolov ace gave it back to Bulgaria before they closed the set.

Argentina started the fourth set better and arrived at 10-6 with two consecutive points, forcing Bulgaria to redefine their strategy. Skrimov got close (10-12), but Polglajen, with an ace pulled away as Argentina moved from 15-13 to 19-13. Arroyo scored at 20-14 before an ace saw Argentina force a tie-break.

Strong serves from Arroyo gave Argentina the advantage in the fifth, but Bulgaria evened the scores and took the lead with an attack from Skrimov. Argentina went ahead once again but three consecutive points from Sokolov gifted it back to Bulgaria as they stormed onto the win.