VC WIESBADEN secures historic Challenge Cup semi-final spot!
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Germany’s VC WIESBADEN celebrated yet another milestone on Wednesday night as they beat AC PAOK THESSALONIKI 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-22) in a sold-out hall with 2,100 people in attendance to qualify for the semis of an international competition – the CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup – for the first time in their history. Last week, the Germans had routed their Greek opponent in straight sets as well.
Benedikt Frank“We were under pressure. The opponent had adjusted well to us. We then made a few changes at the end of the first set and at the beginning of the second set. We could have had it easier if we had served better, but everything we had planned worked out just fine then. And then PAOK came under pressure. It was an unbelievable volleyball festival, which now continues against the big favourites from Novara.”
Head coach of VC WIESBADEN
Even though VC WIESBADEN did not show their very best performance, they knew how to tighten the reins in the decisive moments, especially when under pressure. Their opposite Izabella Rapacz contributed 12 points; Celine Jebens, who played in the third set only, scored eight times. PAOK performed better in front of their lukewarm fan base (exclusively male supporters, including many coming from other regions across Germany) than in the first leg and challenged VC WIESBADEN more, but had no real chance at winning. The Germans will now face Italy’s giants Igor Gorgonzola NOVARA in the semi-finals later this month and in early February.
VC WIESBADEN made it difficult for themselves at the beginning and only managed to score at 1-3. At first, PAOK looked more concentrated. A mistake by the visitors made it 7-7. After equalising several times, the Greeks repeatedly gained a three-point lead (13-10, 15-12). At 14-17, home head coach Benedikt Frank took his first timeout. Shortly afterwards, VC WIESBADEN levelled the score at 17-17 with a block. After Rachel Anderson had made it 22-19 for the home side, it was close again at 23-22. Coach Frank caused an interruption with a second timeout. The local favourites eventually closed the set in their favour following two more mistakes made by PAOK.
At this point, VC WIESBADEN looked more in control. PAOK Kashauna Williams sent the ball out of bounds twice in a row – and the score quickly moved to 10-5 for VC WIESBADEN in the second set. An ace by Milana Božić made it 13-7. The advantage of the hosts grew to six points for the first time at 17-11. After that came a small dry – PAOK reduced their deficit to 18-16 and 19-18. A powerful spike from Izabella Rapacz made it 20-18. After Božić’s second ace, the score was 22-18. Tanja Grosser made it 24-19, but Williams initially prevented the set from knowing an early end. A controversial rally finished in favour of PAOK (24-22) before VC WIESBADEN finally sealed the much-desired set win. With this, the hosts had fought their way into the semi-finals of the CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup and that was celebrated with huge cheers both on the court and in the stands!
In the third set, VC WIESBADEN used their reserve players: outside hitters Melissa Langegger and Noa de Vos, middle blocker Jonna Wasserfaller, opposite Celine Jebens, setter Pauline Bietau and libero Antonia Herpich also impressively prevailed against their Greek rivals. Wasserfaller made it 24-20 and it was left to Celine Jebens to close the match.
Celine Jebens“We were prepared for PAOK to perform better than they had done in the first leg. They did good scouting work in the run-up to the game and then exploited weaknesses in our reception. At first, we had respect for the ambiance. The Greek fans are a force, it was quite like what we experienced in the game against Galatasaray. Both our victories are deserved and thus also our place in the semi-finals. That is terrific – for us, for the club, and our fans.”
Player of VC WIESBADEN