05/03/2017 18:52
STUTTGART’s European adventure, Chapter 3: The quarterfinal with an Italian heavyweight
2017 CEV Volleyball Cup – Women
Stuttgart, Germany, March 5, 2017. After finishing the regular season of the German Bundesliga this weekend in second place, Allianz MTV STUTTGART will turn their sights on the quarterfinals of the 2017 CEV Volleyball Cup – Women.
After eliminating Estonian champions KOHILA VC and Czech champions Agel PROSTEJOV, the Germans are set to play two matches on a very high level, let‘s say on the highest level, since the European quarterfinals offer two matchups with none other than the reigning CEV Champions League titleholders, Italy’s Pomì CASALMAGGIORE.
The German Cup winners know what kind of quality team is to expect on Tuesday night in the SCHARRena. “We have scouted many videos,” says head coach Guillermo Naranjo Hernández. “Our visitors on Tuesday are a very skilled team and clearly the favourites.”
However, there are two facts, which are probably opening chances for the German hosts. CASALMAGGIORE‘s best player Samanta Fabris is undergoing surgery on her left knee on Monday and won’t be able to travel to Stuttgart. The other factor deals with the ball used in European Cup matches. “Maybe they have also difficulties with the Mikasa we play with, since in the Italian Serie A they are used to play with another type of ball,” says Hernández.
He, as well his team, is excited to have a competition on such a high level as a preparation for the next rounds of the national league – and maybe more.
And one of his players is especially happy to return to Italy. STUTTGART’s team captain Kim Renkema spent two seasons (2012-2014) with Riso Scotti Volley PAVIA and expects to see many familiar faces at the away match on Italian soil.
After recovering from a persisting virus infection, which made her miss the biggest part of the season, the outside spiker from the Netherlands is back on court and ready to help her squad. “I am so happy that I am able to play, now, when we face the most important part of the season,” says Renkema.
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