The date of 11 April is approaching quickly — the golden day of the Belgian Cup volleyball finals. This year’s final has a slightly unusual flavour. Asterix AVO Beveren is not on the court. Instead, the regular season number two, Darta Bevo Roeselare, appears on the final’s poster for the first time in its history — an impressive achievement in only their third season at the highest national level.

Their opponent? VC Oudegem, the always ambitious number six of the regular season. Cup winners in 2013 (vs. Asterix AVO Beveren) and 2022 (vs. VDK Gent). Losing finalists in 2018 and 2021, both times against record holder Asterix AVO Beveren.

Oudegem’s head coach, Julien Van de Vyver, is not easily shaken.
“For us, this is a major opportunity to win a third Cup. I hope we can peak at exactly the right moment. My players have the resilience to handle the stress of such a unique event in the AFAS Dome, the Antwerp ‘Sportpaleis’. It will be a knock out clash between East and West Flanders in a challenging setting. The form of the day and razor sharp focus will be decisive,” says the coach from the Waasland region. He believes in his team — and has already extended his contract.

Based on the regular season, Darta Bevo Roeselare seems stronger?
Julien Van de Vyver:
“Yes. Darta won 16 of their 20 matches, including two against us (2 3 on 12 October 2025 and 3 1 on 10 January 2026). They lost four away matches, including an unexpected off day against Noorderkempen. Their biggest strength is their tough home reputation. But the Cup final is played on neutral ground, so everything is open.
We finished with 11 wins in 20 matches after a difficult start. Recently, we’ve made big steps. We opened the Champion Play offs with a 3 0 home win against Thuismakers Brabo Antwerp VT, with impressive set scores: 25 9, 25 14, 25 20. We also won the return match 2 3. That sent us straight to the semi finals (‘best of 3’) against… Darta Bevo Roeselare, who eliminated Saturnus Michelbeke.”

In the Cup, both teams showed ambition.
“We beat Gent (0 3), Zoersel (3 1) and Charleroi twice in the semi finals (3 1, 3 1). Darta was equally sharp: they beat Antwerp (3 0) and produced a huge upset in the quarter finals against Asterix AVO Beveren (1 3). Impressive.
In the semi finals, they were never troubled by their sister team Darta B: two times 3 0.
In the CEV Cup, they also performed well: wins against Liberec (3 0, 2 3) and a respectable fight against the strong Turkish side Galatasaray (3 1, 0 3). We did not participate in Europe this year.”

Meanwhile, Darta suffered a major blow: the injury of Nikita De Paepe. Is this a turning point?
“Yes, it could be. The diagnosis is harsh: a complete ACL tear in her right knee. She faces months of rehabilitation. Nikita was set to transfer to another club, just like Dutch middle blocker Lynn Blenckers. But everything becomes uncertain now, just when she wanted to fully commit to her career. I’ve always respected her a lot. Fingers crossed for a full recovery.
For Blenckers, Darta has already secured a replacement for next season: Yellow Tiger Britt Fransen (24, 1m84, Asterix AVO Beveren). And as far as I know, they will not bring in a medical joker for the rest of the season.”

Darta has no true second opposite. Who will replace De Paepe?
“I don’t have a crystal ball. And it’s not 11 April yet. I’ll analyse their matches carefully to see who will take over. In the return match against Michelbeke (3 0), Janne Deleu did an excellent job in that role.
Coach Bram Van den Hove (who also extended his contract) will know what to do. With his experience at Knack Roeselare and with the Red Dragons, he is very capable. I’m curious about his tactical adjustments. They will influence our defence and blocking. I may adapt our strategy depending on which young Roeselare talent steps into De Paepe’s role.”

Can the experienced Yana De Leeuw guide Darta through this forced change?
“Yes, if anyone can, it’s her. Yana is a top class setter, a natural leader with great game intelligence. She distributes the ball with precision and is almost always reliable. With the same intensity we know from her partner, Matthijs Verhanneman, head coach of Knack Roeselare.
Darta remains difficult to play against.
I also want to mention fighter Laure Flament, who is in the best phase of her career. And Darta has more weapons: outside hitter Pauline Luyten (European Championship bronze), Yana Wouters (1m93, excellent timing), Jasmijn Vanhoecke (block, serve, tactical intelligence) and the eager Janne Deleu (1m80). All have progressed with the (Young) Yellow Tigers.
Defensively, libero Emma Vanderschommen (born 2005) is a gem. Granddaughter of the legendary goalkeeper Luc Vanderschommen. And Bente Deckers shows tremendous work ethic.”

Oudegem also combines experience with young talent.
“Absolutely. Take Marlies Janssens (middle blocker) — she’s having an excellent season. She is supported by Sarah Houben, Julie Maes, Nel Demeyer, the versatile Eline Van Elsen and of course Liese Verhelst. They will fight to the end.”

Liese Verhelst (18) is seen as a future star.
“Yes. She was outstanding at the recent World Championship in Thailand, especially against Cuba. She dreams of ending her final months with us by winning the Cup.
Liese is the daughter of Wouter Verhelst (ex Knack Roeselare). She has impressive jumping and hitting power. A top class player in her age group.”

Belgium has a lot of young talent. Good news for the Yellow Tigers.
“Yes, a major shift is coming. Many experienced players will retire after this season. A wave of young talent is ready to step in. That’s excellent for Belgian volleyball.
On 11 April, they can showcase themselves in what will hopefully be a fiery Cup final. Oudegem is ready for a big fight. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be in the final.
Before De Paepe’s injury, Darta was the big favourite. Now things are more open. I wonder how they will handle the pressure. But Bram Van den Hove will prepare a strong plan.
Are they weakened? Maybe a bit. But it would be a huge mistake for us to underestimate them, even for a second.”

Belgian Cup Final – 11 April, 16:30: VC Oudegem vs. Darta Bevo Roeselare

Text: LP
Image: XV Photography