In Thursday’s much anticipated all-European clash between Belgium and Sweden, the westerners celebrated a 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-22) victory over the northerners, outplaying the opponents mostly from the serving line, 5-1 in aces, and in blocking, 9-6 in stuffs.

Sweden also committed more unforced errors than Belgium, 19 against 12. Both teams were without their stellar scoring machines, Britt Herbots and Isabelle Haak, on the court. Belgian outside hitter Manon Stragier topped the charts with 17 points. Middle blocker Britt Fransen impressed with five kill blocks to contribute another 12 points towards the victory, while opposite Pauline Martin finished with 11 points. Isabelle’s older sister Anna Haak led Sweden’s scorers with 15 points. The other outside, team captain Alexandra Lazic, added another 14.

This was the second time in history Belgium advanced to the Challenger Cup semifinals. The first time was in 2022, when they went on to the final to claim silver.

“We didn’t play our best volleyball in the (CEV European Golden League) semifinal (against Sweden), so it was just getting back to it to play our own game and follow the tactical plan. Today it just paid off, so we are really happy,” Pauline Martin told VBTV after the game. “We need to get more used to playing together, make fewer mistakes and gain experience as individuals and as a team.”