Match report Securing the semifinal

One win separates SWD powervolleys Düren from the semifinal of the German championship. On Saturday at 19:00, Düren play the return leg of the quarterfinal at Helios Grizzlys Giesen, broadcast live on Dyn. Düren won the first leg 3-1 in a dramatic match.

The hurdle is high: both regular-season matches between the two teams were also close, each won by the home team in a tiebreak. So there has been no away win between Düren and Giesen this season yet – and SWD powervolleys want to change that.

The team wants to get it done

Head coach Christophe Achten describes the Grizzlys as an extremely strong team – strong at serving, attacking and blocking. At home they will surely raise their level by a few percent, so Düren will have to play even better too.

This time Giesen have home advantage, but are also facing elimination. If Düren lose, the worst case is a deciding match on Wednesday in Düren. The pressure is therefore on the opponent, Achten says: Giesen have to win, Düren can win and want to win. He clearly notices that in training – the team wants to get it all done on Saturday.

Achten has to do without outside hitters Nico Wegner and Zac Hutcheson. Wegner remains out indefinitely. Hutcheson’s foot injury is improving, but Saturday’s match comes too soon for him.