On Sunday, the Dresdner SC women's volleyball team secured their seventh DVV-Pokal title with a triumphant 3:0 victory over USC Münster, held at the SAP Arena in Mannheim. This marks their first win since 2020, reaffirming their status as one of the premier teams in German women’s volleyball.
The final match, played before 10,264 enthusiastic spectators, unfolded dramatically. Although the match concluded with the score 26:24, 25:12, and 25:20, the first set showcased the competitive spirit of both teams. The players from Münster got off to a strong start, leading 11:5 at one point, and looked poised to take the set when they led 23:18. Yet, the experienced Dresdner team, guided by their coach Alexander Waibl, came roaring back to snatch the first set, which proved pivotal.
Waibl commented on the team's performance, saying, "Endgames are always 50:50 matches; you have to be ready to fight for every point." Indeed, they quickly adapted their play following the initial setback, demonstrating their intent to assert dominance.
Münster’s coach, Matthias Pack, expressed both pride and disappointment following the defeat. "We started strong, but the experience and quality of Dresden shone through as the match progressed. I’m incredibly proud of how the team has presented itself this season, reaching the finals for the first time in 19 years,” Pack stated, emphasizing how they fought valiantly but fell short.
The second set saw Dresden establish control, with standout performances from Marta Levinska and Lorena Lorber Fijok, who collectively scored more than half of the team's points. The momentum shifted decisively, as Dresden took the lead early and never looked back, closing out the set at 25:12.
Focusing on her team’s efforts, Dresdner SC captain Sarah Straube mentioned, "After falling behind significantly, we realized the importance of not losing our focus. We stayed mentally active, keeping ourselves energized during the break. Our preparations paid off, and we controlled the game well." Her statement reflects the team’s resilience and tactical adjustments which proved effective against their opponents.
The final set maintained tension and competition, with both teams exchanging leads. USC remained competitive, equalizing at points during the set. But as the match progressed, Dresden’s experience came to the fore. With each rally, they gradually built their momentum, overcoming slight errors and maintaining composure. The decisive moment came with match points on the line; Dresden sealed the victory with their strategic play and superior coordination, finishing the set at 25:20.
Waibl humorously noted the chaos of post-match celebrations, mentioning his experience filming the joyous scenes of his players dancing on the court after their victory, saying, "Sometimes you get caught up filming during the celebrations; it’s memories like these I cherish forever.” His dedication to capturing the moment signifies his investment not just as a coach but as part of the team's community.
The win reestablishes Dresden SC’s historical prowess within the sport, adding another trophy to their impressive collection. Before this championship, they had enjoyed six prior championships, with the last won five years ago. This resurgence indicates both the effective coaching strategies of Waibl and the talent among the team members who consistently deliver under pressure.
For USC Münster, this marked another chapter of disappointment. Despite their first finals appearance since 2005 and the potential for future achievements, the team must address the issues highlighted during the match. Player Mia Kirchhoff captured the sentiment post-match, stating, "The disappointment is immense, and today we didn’t showcase our best volleyball. But this experience will drive us forward."
Going forward, the potential for both teams remains promising, with USC’s sustainable approach toward nurturing young talent showing signs of future success. Meanwhile, Dresden’s blend of experience and skill continues to prove formidable.
Reflecting on the competition, Ralph Bergmann, the sports director at USC, noted, “Reaching the finals aligns with our goals of fostering local talent and aiming for sustained success. This match, regardless of the outcome, motivates us to continue building.” This sentiment resonates within the community of Münster, known for its resilient spirit.
Overall, the match not only showcased exceptional volleyball but also highlighted the emotions, ambitions, and community ties within the sport. With Dresden claiming their title amid jubilations, the narrative remains active for both teams as they prepare for the future and continue their journeys within volleyball.