Potsdam Volleyballers on the Brink of European Cup Final
The Potsdam volleyballers are on the cusp of fulfilling their dream of reaching a European Cup final. In the second leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final, the Bundesliga fourth-placed team will travel to VC Roma on Wednesday (8:00 pm) with the momentum of a 3:2 first-leg victory. "We’re flying to Rome with a good feeling," said libero Leni Kirchhoff before the team’s departure for Italy.
The Potsdam team needs another victory in Rome to reach the final against the winner of the other semi-final between Chieri76 (Italy) and Galatasaray Istanbul (first leg: 3:1). If the Brandenburgers lose 2:3, a sixth set will follow immediately after the game using tiebreaker rules.
"We need to build on our good defensive performance recently and improve our outside positions. Then we can do it," said SCP coach Riccardo Boieri.
The Italians are currently third from bottom in Serie A. However, they had won all 12 of their previous Challenge Cup matches before their defeat in Potsdam. "It will be a very, very difficult game," warns Potsdam’s managing director, Eugen Benzel.
Despite the challenges, Benzel is proud of the Potsdam volleyballers’ development. "What the team and the coach have already achieved with our depleted squad is incredible. Reaching the European Cup final would be the icing on the cake," he enthuses.
Just before the start of the season, the club saved top-flight volleyball in Potsdam with great effort and renewed its squad with little money and under severe time pressure.
Generational Shift and European Success
The Potsdam volleyballers have undergone a generational shift in recent years. Only a few players from the championship team of 2016 are still on the roster. Lena Stigrot, Lucia Nikolova, and Laura Emonts have all left the club, while Nicole Oude Luttikhuis retired in 2020.
The younger players, such as Anna Pogany, Laura Berger, and Sarah van Aalen, have stepped up and taken on more responsibility. They have formed a strong foundation for the team, which is now reaping the rewards of its hard work.
The Potsdam volleyballers’ success in the Challenge Cup is a testament to their resilience and determination. They have overcome several obstacles, including injuries and a limited budget, to reach the semi-finals. A victory in Rome would be a historic moment for the club and for German volleyball.
Eyes on the Prize
The Potsdam volleyballers are not resting on their laurels. They know that they have a tough task ahead of them in Rome. But they are confident in their abilities and are determined to give it their all.
"We’re not going to Rome just to make up the numbers. We want to win and reach the final," said captain Sarah van Aalen.
The Potsdam volleyballers have a chance to make history. They are one win away from a European Cup final. All they need is to dig deep, play with heart, and believe in themselves.
