03/04/2016 10:38
Volero ZÜRICH claim historic 11th Swiss Cup title
News from the clubs
Fribourg, Switzerland, April 2, 2015. Multiple Swiss champs Volero ZÜRICH defeated TSV DÜDINGEN 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-20) to claim their 11th Swiss Cup title in twelve years.
It was a historic Saturday afternoon for Volleyball in Switzerland. Multiple national champs Volero ZÜRICH had the opportunity to win their 11th Swiss Cup title against TSV DÜDINGEN in front of 3,000 thrilled spectators – and this under the eyes of FIVB President Dr Ary S. Graça F°, who honoured the Swiss national federation with his presence.
And the crowd contributed to an overwhelming atmosphere at the St. Léonard arena in Fribourg already before the game.
On the court, Volero ZÜRICH needed some minutes to find their rhythm as they struggled early in the match because of some unforced errors. The humungous crowd, however, inspired the titleholders to unveil some of their best Volleyball. The team from Düdingen, on the other hand, were not able to keep the pace. A 25-17 victory for Volero in the opening set was the logical consequence.
In the second set, Avital Selinger’s top squad were even able to shift up a gear – and gave DÜDINGEN no chance to bounce back. The “Ladies in Purple” put an enormous pressure on the underdogs with strong serves. The offence of the team from the shores of Lake Zurich, on the other hand, was just too cold-blooded: Russian-born middle blocker Ekaterina Orlova and her teammates showed an overwhelming efficiency in their attacking game. This dominance resulted in a clear-cut 25-15 victory for Volero in the second set. At this stage, the eleventh Swiss Cup title in twelve years was only one set away for ZÜRICH.
And the third set was just going to become the real climax of the Swiss Cup Final. TSV DÜDINGEN made a huge effort in order to keep their dream of gold alive. The team from Fribourg kept the score close thanks to some unbelievable saves. Avital Selinger’s squad, however, did not lose their cool and proved once again too strong for the underdogs. And so the big favourites got their first match ball. The Swiss Volleyball fans raised the roof – and Volero top scorer Laura Unternährer eventually sent the supporters as well as her teammates into frenzy with a perfect block to seal the final 25-20 and with it take the national cup title as well.
Volero ZÜRICH once again made Swiss Volleyball history with their 11th Swiss Cup title in 12 years. Unsurprisingly, Avital Selinger’s players enjoyed themselves after the game together with their loyal supporters who had travelled to Fribourg.
The star ensemble from ZÜRICH, however, have no time to rest on the laurels as they are going to play Sm’ AESCH Pfeffingen in the Playoffs Final and attempt to complete their 11th double in 12 years. The championship series starts on Wednesday, April 13, in Aesch.
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