Menen wins its very first trophy in club history

15/09/2024

The match begins with a strong display of power volleyball from both teams. Rotty and Dermaux score smoothly for Roeselare, while for Menen, middle blocker Jurkovics steps up. The two teams from West Flanders give nothing away, and at 9-9, the numerous fans are already treated to high-level volleyball. Roeselare's setter Stijn D’Hulst takes it as a signal to shift gears, and under his lead, Roeselare builds a small lead. Menen closes the gap and ties it up at 24-24. Dermaux pulls the set in favor of Roeselare, 27-25.

Menen comes out strong in the second set, leading 2-4. Roeselare quickly responds through Rotty, turning the tide, and soon it’s 9-6 for the blue team. Ver Eecke rallies his Menen teammates, and Vandecaveye finds gaps in the block to level the score at 11-11. Setter Lankinen is clearly enjoying himself, confusing the blue blockers repeatedly. A series of powerful serves force Vanmedegael to call a time-out as the final phase approaches, 18-21. Vandecaveye brings the score even at 22-25, tying the game 1-1.

A thrilling and high-quality start to the third set brings the spectators to the edge of their seats. Menen continues to score through the middle, while Roeselare strings points together through their outside hitters. It’s a tightly contested set, with the score still tied at 13-13. Both teams build small leads, only for the other to close them again, taking turns. However, it’s Menen who manages to close out the set, 23-25.

The men in green continue their momentum, starting the fourth set furiously. They quickly take a 6-9 lead. Roeselare has no answer, and Menen extends the lead to 10-15. The five-point gap remains and grows even further. Roeselare seems lost on the court, while Menen has energy to spare. A few minutes later, the match is sealed at 18-25 and 1-3. The first major club trophy in Menen's history. A great start for new coach Julien Lemay.

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