Home heroines of France in for the kill – Volleyball News
France women’s national volleyball team is ready to rumble in the final leg of the 2012 CEV European League Preliminaries, which is scheduled to start off on Thursday.
Pool B teams including the hosts will embark on adventure in the city of Metz. The last leg of the prelims will cover its length from June 28-30. Turkey, Bulgaria, Switzerland will come into stride with French ladies on three different days.
France will take on Switzerland in the first match at the Complexe St. Symphorien METZ The crucial final leg match is likely to attract huge number of spectators as the home team will hit the centre court.
In the last three flights of the league-round, France played a total of nine matches and ended with 5-4 record. On the other hand, Switzerland played the equal number of matches, but failed to dig up success. Switzerland hosted the last leg of the prelims, which was a great opportunity for the local team to break the ice, but Swiss squad constantly remained in the blues and dropped all matches at home. Hence, it will be an easy encounter for French team in the coming match.
The roster of the French squad has a small change for the last leg matches. Veronika Hudima got injured during the last round in Fribourg, Switzerland and left the group. She is currently nurturing her injuries will stay off the court.
Meanwhile, French mentor Vial has picked up middle blocker Isaline Sager-Weider as the replacement for Hudima. The newcomer has a lot of character and personality. She was a part of French club team ASPTT MULHOUSE, which ended as a runner-up in the French National League. She will probably stay in the team during the last leg of 2012 CEV Women’s European League Prelims.
France will be challenged by Turkey and Bulgaria in the next two matches. Turkey also does not pose a threat on France, but Bulgaria will be a tough competitor in the third match. Bulgaria is the top team in Pool B with a perfect record of 9-0. The team has already qualified for the Final Round and will be playing without any fear of loss. However, the home heroines are determined to exhibit an extra-ordinary feat, in order to outdo Bulgaria.
The head coach of French team, Fabrice Vial, is quite optimistic that team will perform better in front of the home audience. He stated, “This weekend will be useful to complete the first half of the season and since our chances to make it to the final four are gone, our goal will be to sweep all of these three matches in front of our fans.”
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