Iraklis makes it three in a row

Team bounces back from volleyball’s Champions League final loss to win Greek Cup

Iraklis’s American power players celebrate with the Cup: Setter Lloy Ball (right), universal Clayton Stanley (second right) and central blocker Tom Hoff (left).

Iraklis Thessaloniki won its fifth Greek Cup in volleyball yesterday — and the third in a row — after thrashing league leaders Panathinaikos 3-0 in the final in the southwestern town of Amaliada in the Peloponnese.

Although the match was expected to be an even contest, Iraklis ran away with the game from the outset, putting pressure on Panathinaikos’s defense through good serving and excellent blocking. Iraklis won the first set 25-19, and found even weaker resistance in the second, which they won 25-17.

Panathinaikos showed some signs of recovery in the third set, though none of its star players were having a good day. Iraklis clinched victory with a 25-22 score in the final set, restoring the team’s pride after its loss in the Champions League final a week earlier.

The cup win means Iraklis has qualified for next season’s Champions League. Its universal team member, Clayton Stanley from the US, was voted most valuable player of the Final-8 tournament.

Iraklis coach Alekos Leonis said “even without [Italian hitter Matej] Cernic, we showed some character. I am very lucky I am at Iraklis. This team has great players.” Panathinaikos coach Xavier Weber admitted: “We played without heart.”