Thomas Hofmans and Interfreight Brabo Antwerp cannot steal a set from Haasrode Leuven: “Clear difference in level” | Volleyball > Antwerp
VOLLEYBALL CUP OF BELGIUMThe cup match between Interfreight Brabo Antwerp and Volley Haasrode Leuven ended in a 0-3 result. As the leader in the first national, the Antwerp team secretly hoped to take at least one set against the people of Leuven. However, the Flemish-Brabants have a handsome mix of youthful talent, orchestrated by the experienced playmaker Matthias Valkiers. He was the conductor of the clever playing visitors.
The Haasrode Leuven team did not even need top transfer Hendrik Tuerlinckx. Left-handed Christophe Witvrouwen – attacking at 62% on offense – replaced the multiple ‘Player of the Year’ exemplary.
Thomas Hofmans even joined in after the game against his ex-team. “There was a clear difference in level today,” admits the Antwerp attacker. “It’s about small things, but it’s about small things that are always clearly visible. Leuven has legitimate ambitions in the EuroMillions League and the Belgian Cup. They make very few mistakes and that is important in volleyball today.”
“With us there were always moments when it went on for a while,” Hofmans continues. “Their block and defense were hard to disrupt. We kept coming into the match, but it kept trying and toiling to get through as a striker. Perhaps Saturday’s five-setter against Amigos Zoersel was still in his legs. We were able to take two points there, after a very intensive game.”
Oprins: playing with torn meniscus
Jeroen Oprins was still drafted with a well packed knee in the ‘gala match’ against the top players from Leuven. The main attacker is currently playing with a torn meniscus. How long Oprins can keep up with that remains to be seen. With 17 runs scored, he again proved to be the most important points taker of the home team. But at times you could see the cramping. “If I have to have surgery, I will be out of action for 6 to 8 weeks and then there will be a rehabilitation period,” the Antwerp top executive said. “It really remains to be seen before I can continue with this injury.”
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