An incredible amount of positive news for Belgian volleyball players abroad, making it almost hard to decide where to begin.

Let’s start with Seppe Baetens, who began his new adventure in Azerbaijan with a victory. His team, Murov, won their first league match.

In Russia, Sam Deroo scored 6 points and delivered a strong block against Kazachenkov to help Zenit Kazan secure their second victory over Novosibirsk (3-1) and qualify for the Russian Cup final. On December 28, they’ll face Deroo’s former team, Dinamo Moscow.

In Kuwait, Bram Van den Dries continued his strong form, winning a fifth consecutive Cup match against Al Shabab (3-1, with 13 points at 46 %), advancing to the semifinals on December 16. The final is set for December 19.

In Croatia, Simon Vlahovic played all five sets and contributed 9 points (50 %, plus 3 blocks) to help Kastela defeat Split 2-3 in the Croatian Cup semifinals, despite trailing 2-1 earlier in the match.

In Italy, Ferre Reggers was once again named MVP and top scorer (18 points at 48 %) during Milan’s 1-3 victory over Modena. Unfortunately, Wout D’Heer (1 point at 25 %) and his Taranto team struggled against Verona (3-0).

In Poland, Igor Grobelny (23 points at 76 %!) was both MVP and top scorer for Kedzierzyn in their 3-1 victory over Katowice. Mathijs Desmet (2 points at 33 %) and Gorzov were outclassed by Lublin (0-3).

In Spain, Tomas Rousseaux (15 points at 60 %) was the top scorer for Guaguas, who won 0-3 against Teruel.

In Germany, Rec. Berlin (without Simon Plaskie) won the top match against Lüneburg (3-0), while Christophe Achten (still missing the injured Robbe Van de Velde) led Düren to a 3-0 victory over Haching Munich.

In the Netherlands, Orion (without the injured Liam McCluskey) lost 3-1 to Limax Herten but remains in second place behind Lycurgus.

In Romania, Marin Dukic scored 17 points (33 %) for Craiova, but it wasn’t enough against Dinamo Bucharest (3-1).

In Switzerland, Amriswil showcased their strength with a 3-1 win over UC Lausanne (Tim Bayet).

In Denmark, Dries Hoeyberghs extended his perfect streak (10 out of 10!) with Nordenskov, defeating Amager 3-1.

Silke Van Avermaet continues to impress in Italy

After a slow start for her team Busto Arsizio, Silke Van Avermaet (13 points – 62%, 2 blocks) and her teammates are now on fire, securing a 0-3 win in Rome. In front of 3,500 spectators, Scandicci (Herbots 5 points – 29%) triumphed 3-2 in a thrilling match against Milan (without Laura Heyrman).

Belgian players in the Bundesliga also delivered strong performances. Stuttgart, with Pauline Martin and Charlotte Krenicky, won twice: 3-0 against Münster (Martin 11 points – 32%, Krenicky 2 points – 67%) and 1-3 against Wiesbaden (Martin 12 points – 30%, Krenicky 2 points – 100%). Dresden, with Nathalie Lemmens, remained undefeated with victories over Erfurt (3-0, Lemmens 6 points – 33%) and Münster (0-3, Lemmens 3 points – 43%). Potsdam, featuring Anna Koulberg, defeated Aachen 3-0 (Koulberg 7 points – 44%) but narrowly lost 3-2 to Schwerin (Koulberg 4 points – 30%). Suhl and Lara Nagels (4 points) defeated Wiesbaden 3-0, climbing to fifth place after a challenging season start.

In Greece, Ilka Van de Vyver and PAOK Thessaloniki showed their strength by defeating AONS Milon 3-1, maintaining their lead in the Greek league.

Mixed results in Japan: Lise Van Hecke (20 points – 46% and 19 points – 50%) and Marvelous Osaka won twice against Gunma (1-3, 0-3). Kaja Grobelna (24 points – 42%) secured a narrow 2-3 victory against Saitama but lost 3-0 the following day (Grobelna as top scorer with 21 points – 44%).

In Poland, after a big win over Chemik Police last week, GB Lodz (without Sobolska) lost the city derby against Comm. Lodz (0-3).

In France, Venelles secured a tie-break victory against Mérignac Bordeaux, despite 43% reception and only 5% perfect receptions for Britt Rampelberg. Venelles climbs to fifth place.

Article: Marcel Coppens

Picture: Instagram Murov Az Terminal