Haasrode Leuven won 3-1 against Menen and has to confirm against Borgworm. — © Vel
Volleyball Lotto Volley League: Borgworm – Haasrode Leuven
Leuven –
After an impressive 3-1 win against Menen, Haasrode Leuven has breathed new life into its Champion Play-offs campaign. Although Borgworm, a direct competitor for fourth place, still needs to be confirmed.
What two victories in a row can’t do to a person. Thanks to the victory against Borgworm, which was good for qualifying for the Champion Play-offs, and the three points against Menen in the opening match, the sky above Leuven seems to have completely cleared.
“It only improves the atmosphere in the team, even though it has never been bad. And the fact that we are back in training with twelve fit players is also a pleasure,” says Matthias Valkiers (33), enjoying the physical battle against Menen. “Everyone feels great and that is a good sign, because it was four tough sets. That everyone is returning to their form at the beginning of this season? I think that’s normal. It’s the play-offs now and we have to perform.”
The ex-Red Dragon reacts as we know him: calmly and rationally. Even though we cannot help but feel that the mental boost is clearly beneficial to him. “It’s all good again in our heads,” laughs Valkiers. “After a series of seven defeats, we now have two victories in a row. A serious burden has been lifted from our shoulders. And also, we had almost forgotten how good it feels to win.”
© Well
Direct competitor
Yet Matthias Valkiers underlines the importance of the match against Borgworm. On paper perhaps the easiest opponent in these play-offs, but a team that can appear dangerous and, just like Haasrode Leuven, aspires to fourth place in the play-offs. “Both Pierre Perin and Samuel Fafchamps need to be careful, especially when they bring out their sledgehammer from the service line. We should also not forget the experienced Kevin Klinkenberg. He knows better than anyone the importance of these types of competitions,” said the Leuven setter.
Nevertheless, we dare to say that if VHL continues the trend of the past two matches, victory is within reach. Although Valkiers certainly sees some pitfalls that need to be closed. “Against Menen we had to make up a gap of three or more points in sets one, two and three, so our start has to be better. Anyway, I have the feeling that we got back on track just in time. Whether a win against Borgworm will make us dream of more? No, outside of Roeselare, which is probably out of category, anyone can beat anyone. After Borgworm, Maaseik will follow home and then we’ll see. I don’t even know which team comes next. In other words: we have to remain calm.”
