Volleyball league leader sees off PAOK with easy 3-0 victory
Volleyball league leader Panathinaikos will maintain its standing for another week at least, as it downed PAOK 3-0 away last night. Five days after dismissing champion Iraklis at home, Panathinaikos scored its ninth league win in as many games, eliminating any resistance from PAOK right from the start of the match. The Greens won 16-25, 20-25 and 18-25 in Thessaloniki and have 26 points from nine games. «Besides the 3-0 score, it is important that we played good volleyball,» said coach Alekos Leonis, who saw his players wrap up the three-point win within an hour’s play. The Greens will now prepare for their trip to Germany next Thursday to face former European champion Friedrichshafen for the Champions League. «Things are completely different in the Champions League. We have to work in a different way and look our opponents in the eyes,» commented Leonis. Panathinaikos has two defeats in as many games so far in the group stage of the competition. Back in the local league, Iraklis was to host Lamia in Thessaloniki later last night, while today sees the rest of the A1 matches in the ninth round: Kifissia will seek its first win against Olympiakos; high-flying EA Patras hosts Apollon Kalamarias; Ethnikos greets Aris at Alexandroupolis, while Milon clashes with Finikas Syrou. All of tonight’s games start at 7 p.m.
