Generali Sport Arena, Unterhaching - Generali Haching started the new season with an impressive victory over defending league champion VfB Friedrichshafen 3-1 (20-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20).

The beginning of the match was even for both clubs.  At the first technical timeout, VfB led 8-7. The visitors built a lead thanks to a very good block and defense.  Zoran Jovanovic and Milos Vermic made the difference to help their team win the first set 25-20.

The second set was an excellent head-to-head match. Haching led the entire set.  Branislav Skladany was perfect with every ball, on the serve reception and setting the ball to spiker Christian Dünnes, who converted every spike into points.   Haching tied the match 1-1 winning the second set 25-21.

Haching took over the match in the third set.  Denis Kaliberda, Dünnes (29 points in the match) and Alexander Shafranovich did what they wanted and VfB were not able to stop Haching's offense. The Bavarians led 16-6 after the second timeout and at the end they won the set 25-17.

With confidence, good volleying, solid defense and the support of 1,025 fans, Haching started the fourth set with the lead and dominated Friedrichshafen.  After the frst technical timeout Haching led 8-4 and VfB were not able to close the gap. The set ended 25-20 and a victory for the home side - an important start in the Bundesliga for Mihai Paduretu's team.

"We were not perfect and there are a couple of mistakes," admitted Haching coach Paduretu.  "In this season there will be more surprises. We must stay focused and get ready to play the next game against KW-Bestensee."

"We wanted play good volleyball and have fun, but in the first set that was not the case," said captain Max Günthör.  "It was an important start in the season, this victory is a surprise, because we had only one week for prepare the match."

"After the difficulties in the first set we were able to cover the gap and to play good volleyball," added Dünnes.  "Maybe if the match was played in Friedrichshafen, then we would have had a different result.  Playing at home helped us."

After Haching travel to Bestensee next weekend, they return home on October 12^th to take on Moerser SC.