It’s sometimes interesting to note the audience sizes for our players abroad. Poland, not Italy, boasts the largest volleyball crowds: 3825 spectators for Olsztyn – Gorzow, 4300 for Rzeszov – Kedzierzyn, and 1230 for Milan – Cisterna. Elsewhere, Freiburg in Germany saw 1800 fans, Spain 500, Japan (Osaka women) 1335, and Queenseis 1190.

In terms of performance, Ferre Reggers once again stood out in Italy, earning MVP honors in Milan – Cisterna (3-1) with 33 points (56 %). Despite 9 points (67 %!), Wout D’Heer couldn’t prevent Taranto from losing 2-3 to Modena, which overturned a 2-1 deficit.

In Poland, Igor Grobelny shone by helping Kedzierzyn secure a 2-3 win with 19 points (42 %). Rzeszov had won the fourth set 31-29, but the tie-break ended 18-20. Meanwhile, Mathijs Desmet’s contributions (2 aces and 1 block) weren’t enough for Gorzow, which lost 3-0 at Olsztyn.

In Kuwait, Bram Van den Dries is almost certain of a semi-final spot in the Cup with Burgan, which won its first four matches: 3-1 against Sulaikikhat (Bram 32 points – 53 % – 5 blocks), 3-0 against Al Nasser (16 points – 67 %), 3-0 against Yarmouk (21 points – 69 %), and 3-2 against Al Arabi (30 points – 60 % – 4 blocks). The top four teams (out of nine) advance to the semi-finals.

In Russia, Sam Deroo is nearly in the national cup final after a 0-3 win away against Novosibirsk.

In Germany, coach Christophe Achten secured two 0-3 victories with Düren, against KönigsWusterhausen and VCO Berlin, despite the absence of Robbe Van de Velde (almost ready to return). Simon Plaskie (5 points – 33 %) started for Berlin, which remains undefeated after a 0-3 win at Freiburg.

In Spain, Tomas Rousseaux (9 points – 82 %) and Guaguas cruised past Arenal 3-0, conceding only 18 points per set.

In the Netherlands, Orion (without McCluskey) suffered a 3-1 defeat against Lycurgus Groningen.

In Croatia, Simon Vlahovic (9 points – 100 %, 4 blocks) helped Kastela sweep OK Split 3-0.

In Romania, Mario Dukic (16 points – 41 %) led Craiova to a 1-3 victory over Rapid Bucharest.

In Switzerland, UC Lausanne (Tim Bayet) defeated Dorigny 3-0.
In Denmark, despite a rare set loss to Hvidovic, Nordenskov, coached by Dries Hoeyberghs, remains unbeaten and autumn champions with 9 wins out of 9.

10 out of 10 for Hélène Rousseaux

In Turkey, Papara Göztepe, Hélène Rousseaux’s team, remains at the top of the second division with a perfect 10-out-of-10 record after a 3-1 win against Sakanya.

Dominika Sobolska also delivered an impressive performance, helping GB Lodz secure a 1-3 victory against Chemik Police in a high-profile match in Poland (4 points, 61 %).

In Greece, Ilka Van de Vyver and Paok Thessaloniki suffered their first loss of points this season, losing 3-2 to Thetis. Nevertheless, they remain in first place.

In Italy, Busto Arsizio continues its strong form with Silke Van Avermaet (7 points, 46 %) after a 3-1 win against Florence. Laura Heyrman did not feature for Milan, although her team secured a 1-3 victory over Bergamo. At Scandicci, Britt Herbots contributed 5 points (33 %) in a 3-1 win against Chieri (featuring Anne Buijs, a former Kieldrecht player).

In Japan, Lise Van Hecke and Marvelous Osaka achieved two victories: 3-0 against Okayama (Lise 18 points, 58 %) and 3-1 against the same team (Lise 22 points, 66 %). However, Queenseis suffered two losses to Toray Arrows: 1-3 (Kaja Grobelna 11 points, 25 %) and 2-3 (Kaja 29 points, 41 %).

In Germany, Lara Nagels (4 points – 50%, 3 blocks) led Suhl to a 1-3 victory over Münster, with Suhl overturning an 18-8 deficit in the third set to win 24-26. Münster managed only 6 blocks compared to 21 for Suhl. Nathalie Lemmens (9 points, 45 %, 3 blocks) also excelled with Dresden, which defeated Aachen 1-3. Pauline Martin (10 points, 35 %) and Charlotte Krenicky (6 points, 67 %) helped Stuttgart secure a 0-3 victory against Erfurt.

In France, Venelles claimed a 3-0 win over Quimper, thanks in part to excellent libero work from Britt Rampelberg (60 % reception success, 40 % perfect passes).

Article: Marcel Coppens
Photo: Instagram Ferre Reggers: ferre_reggers