This week, Belgian teams have a busy European schedule.

Tuesday 12/11: Warszawa – Maaseik Greenyard (8:30 PM Ch. L.), Charleroi – Nicosia (8:00 PM Ch. Cup women), Menen – Reshetylivka (8:30 PM - Ch. Cup men).

Wednesday 13/11: Milano – Knack Roeselare (6:30 PM Ch.L.), Tchalou – Asterix Avo (8:00 PM - CEV Cup), Pafos Cyprus – Lindemans Aalst (8:30 PM CEV Cup), Menen – Reshetylivka Ukr. (8:30 PM Ch. Cup return).

Last weekend, Belgian players also scored heavily abroad. Despite Silke Van Avermaet's efforts (13p - 71%) in Italy to help Busto Arsizio to a new victory, Milano won the tie-break, partly thanks to Laura Heyrman, who was named MVP with 14 points (44%) and 5 kill blocks. For Scandicci, Britt Herbots (9p - 53%) and her teammates had an easier time against Bergamo: 3-0.

Double victory in Japan for Lise Van Hecke, who helped Osaka win 3-1 and 3-0 against Ibaraki (9p – 29% and 10p – 47% for Lise). On the other hand, Queenseis lost twice in tie-breaks to Toray Arrows, with Kaja Grobelna scoring 24 points (39%) and 24 points (33%).

In Germany, Sühl and Lara Nagels pulled off a surprise by defeating cup favorite Schwerin 3-2. In the quarterfinals, they will face Dresdner, who easily beat Wiesbaden II 25-18, 25-10, 25-10. Another quarterfinal will see Potsdam (Anna Koulberg) face Stuttgart (Martin and Krenicky), after both teams won 3-0.

In France, Levallois Paris defeated Venelles 3-1, where Britt Rampelberg achieved 48% successful receptions and 24% excellent receptions.

In Greece, Ilka Van de Vyver contributed to her team PAOK Saloniki’s victory with an ace, allowing the team to remain undefeated at Panionios (1-3).

Ferre Reggers is ready

Knack Roeselare will meet Milano on Wednesday evening, the club of Ferre Reggers (featured elsewhere in Volleymagazine), who defeated Grottozzolina in the league 3-1, with Ferre scoring 14 points (41%). Also in Italy, Taranto lost 0-3 to Perugia, despite Wout D'Heer's 7 points (60%).

In Poland, Kedzierzyn (Igor Grobelny 12p – 23%) won 3-1 against Jastrzewski. Monday night, Gorzow (without Mathijs Desmet) won a thriller 3-2 (15-13 tie-break) against Katowice.

In Russia, Sam Deroo and Zenit Kazan reached the semifinals of the cup with two 3-1 victories over Zenit Saint Petersburg.

No surprises in the cup matches in Germany, where Düren (coach Achten) and Berlin Recycling (Plaskie) easily reached the quarterfinals with 3-0 wins. The quarterfinals are as follows: Giesen – Freiburg, Karlsruhe – Düren, Berlin Recycling – Lüneburg, and Haching – Friedrichshafen.

First loss in Spain for Guaguas and Tomas Rousseaux (13p – 35%) after a 2-3 defeat against Soria (12-15 tie-break).

In the Netherlands, also a first loss for Orion (still without Liam McCluskey), who lost a 0-2 lead to eventually fall in the tie-break (15-10) against Dynamo.

Victory in Croatia for Kastela and Simon Vlahovic (7p – 75%): 3-0 against Rovinj.

Also, a win for UC Lausanne (and Tim Bayet) in Switzerland, who overcame a 2-0 deficit to win in the tie-break against Colombier.

And in Denmark, coach Dries Hoeyberghs and Nordenskov took the sole unbeaten lead with a 1-3 victory over Vestsjaelland, as direct competitor Odense lost.

Text: Marcel Coppens

Picture: vervolley.com