25/01/2017 09:27
BEZIERS VB complete double victory to make last 16 of CEV Cup
2017 CEV Volleyball Cup - Women
Beziers, France, January 25, 2017. Halle des sport du Four à Chaux in Béziers hosted the return leg between BEZIERS VB and TS Volley DUEDINGEN where the home team ran out victors 3-0 (25-23, 25-23; 25-21) and will now face either Linamar - BÉKÉSCSABAI RSE (HUN) or Jedinstvo STARA PAZOVA (SRB) in the 8th Finals of the 2017 CEV Volleyball Cup - Women.
With some difficulties in receiving service, the Angels started by trailing the active Swiss team who had Chantale Riddle being particularly impressive. Without panicing, the home team calmed their game, reduced their number of errors, and the trio of Isabelle Haak, Safiatou Zongo, Berit Kauffeldt started to have some answers to the dominant Riddle. Both teams were side by side until the 23s, before BEZIERS VB made the difference with a block and eventually won the set 25-23.
The second set started with BEZIERS VB knowing that after their previous victory, if they won it they would be qualified for the next round. DUEDINGEN put the pressure on through Karmen Brletic and Riddle leading at the two technical time-outs (8-5, 16-13). The Angels somehow managed the storm and rose in power thanks to some excellent spiking and blocking. They first equalised at 18-18 following a point from Rita Liliom, but DUEDINGEN did not give up, and after a time out by the away team coach Nicki Neubauer, Brletic levelled the score again. At 22-23, it was BEZIERS VB who asked for a pause, which was positive for Safiatou Zongo who eventually offered a qualification ball to her team. Isabelle Haak concluded the set and secured her team's place in the next round 25-23 to the joy of the attending 900 spectators.
Despite their hopes of continuing in the competition having gone, TS Volley DUEDINGEN kept fighting for the honour. Home team coach Cyril Ong took advantage of this scenario to make some changes bringing in some younger players to let others rest. Despite the Swiss advantage in the score (18-12) the Angels came back thanks to an incredible series of serves of Isabelle Haak who produced four aces in a row. The set ended 25-21 and the match 3-0 to the French team.
Click here for more info including detailed stats of the match
|