Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Knack Roeselare leads Haasrode Leuven 2–1 in the Belgian volleyball final. Roeselare targets a 16th title and treble; coach Vanmedegael to depart. Leuven, coached by Tuerlinckx, fights on.
As HBVL News reported, the Belgian volleyball championship playoff series started between Knack Roeselare and Haasrode Leuven. Roeselare is on the verge of winning its 5th Belgian title in a row. It would also be their 16th title overall.
If they win, they will be tied with Maaseik for the most national championships in Belgian volleyball history. Officials mentioned that Roeselare has already shown they are the best this season by winning the Belgian Cup and the BeNeConference.
They want to win the national title to complete a rare treble. This season is even more important because the coach, Steven Vanmedegael, is leaving at the end of the season. They mentioned that winning the title would be a perfect way for him to end his time with the team after a very successful period.
Will Leuven tie the series in the 4th final match?
According to officials, Leuven is also doing well, and they are in the final for the first time. Their coach is Hendrik Tuerlinckx, who used to play for Belgium. Leuven got into the semi-finals because they were in the top 2 of the BeNeConference. In the playoffs, they beat Maaseik, who usually wins a lot. Roeselare is expected to win because they have more experience. But Leuven wants to win their first title and make history.
The current champions, Roeselare, started the series by winning the first 2 matches. In the first game on Friday, May 3, 2025, they beat Leuven 3–1. They won again on Tuesday, May 6, at Leuven’s home, with the same score of 3–1. With a 2–0 lead, Roeselare looked like they would win. However, things started to change during the third match on Saturday, May 10, in Roeselare.
In the 3rd game, Roeselare won the first 2 sets. They were close to winning the championship. But Haasrode Leuven fought back, winning the next 2 sets. In the final set, Leuven won, completing a comeback and getting their 1st win.
They are leading to a 4th match on May 13, 2025, in Leuven. If Leuven wins again, the series will be tied, with a final match in Roeselare on May 16, 2025. Both teams are under pressure. Roeselare wants to win the title, while Leuven wants to keep their dream alive.
