06/12/2017 15:18
European adventure number 10 for SWD powervolleys DÜREN
2018 CEV Volleyball Cup - Men
Düren, Germany, December 6, 2017. Germany’s SWD powervolleys DÜREN face Dutch reigning national champions Abiant GRONINGEN in the 16th Finals of the 2018 CEV Volleyball Cup – Men to start their tenth journey in the European Cups.
When preparing for the start of the domestic season, the powervolleys – who have their home in the far west of Germany very close to the Dutch border – have often played test matches against teams from the Netherlands. However, for the first time in 10 years of playing in European competitions, they now face a Dutch opponent in a match that ‘really’ counts.
In the 16th Finals of the CEV Cup, DÜREN play the Dutch top team of Abiant GRONINGEN. The Germans got exactly what they wanted. “An international competition helps you grow stronger as a team, because every opponent is strong,” says setter Stijn D’Hulst. A strong opponent - that is what they found in GRONINGEN. Abiant are leading the Dutch Eredivisie, after ten games they are the only undefeated team in the Netherlands.
“We expect an intense match in an arena packed with emotional fans,” Erik Mattson, the Canadian libero of the Dutch team, said. Mattson knows what he is talking about since four years ago he wore the shirt of DÜREN.
“Ten years of international competition: That is something we can be proud of for sure,” powervolleys coach Stefan Falter said. “We will have to play at our best level to have a chance. And that is exactly what we will try to do.” Recently the team has been struggling with some ups and downs. “That is what we are working on. Against GRONINGEN we have to show that we can play on a good level for three sets.” To play at home will give the powervolleys players a good feeling. They have not lost a single match in the Bundesliga so far – beating even reigning national champions BERLIN Recycling Volleys before the home crowd.
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