03/12/2017 21:43
Noliko’s new opposite Jolan Cox feels ready for top-level Volleyball
2018 CEV Volleyball Champions League - Men
Maaseik, Belgium, December 3, 2017. With no less than 41 points, Jolan Cox helped Noliko MAASEIK edge past Abiant GRONINGEN in the double derby of the lower countries, which decided about qualification for the group stage of the 2018 CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men. “Not only me, but the whole team is extra hungry for our first pool game against TRENTINO Diatec on Tuesday,” Cox said.
The 26-year-old opposite hitter still has everything to prove at the highest European club level. “I have never had the opportunity to play the CEV Champions League,” Cox explains. “With my former teams Prefaxis MENEN and Precura/Callant ANTWERP, I only made it to the CEV Cup. On the other hand, I met top-level national teams in the World League with Belgium.”
The Antwerp-born lefthander will enjoy every second on court in the new Champions League campaign. “It’s always extra exciting to play in these European competitions: you get in touch with other countries, other cities, other cultures and of course other teams and players.”
Jolan Cox together with his teammates from Noliko MAASEIK
In his case, this applies to the suspense of Golden Sets as well: his last four home/return duels went to a Golden Set. In the last one, last year, Topvolley Callant ANTWERPEN failed to convert six (!) match points before surrendering to Crvena Zvezda BEOGRAD.
“You can imagine how hungry I am to grab some victories in the Champions League. Both wins in the 3rd Round against GRONINGEN were fine and we showed a good level,” Cox continued.
However, the real stuff is yet to come, with TRENTINO on Tuesday. “I was really pleased when the draw came out: with TRENTINO Diatec and Zaksa KEDZIERZYN-KOZLE in our pool, I am extra happy. I have always dreamt about playing against Italian and Polish teams. Half of this dream came true when I played World League with the Belgian Red Dragons in Rome and Krakow. Our first game, against TRENTINO, offers us a very demanding challenge. Maybe our home-court advantage can push us to a surprising result,” Cox concluded.
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