Schwerin (dpa / mv) - The opponent for the volleyball players of SSC Palmberg Schwerin could hardly have been more difficult. On the way to their declared goal of reaching the DVV Cup final this season, they have to play against the German champions and defending champions Allianz MTV Stuttgart. The semifinals kick off on Saturday (7.40 p.m.).
Although the hosts suffered their first league defeat of the season a week ago at current leaders SC Potsdam, MTV player Britt Bongaerts was missing. The Dutchwoman will play again against Schwerin. Therefore, head coach Felix Koslowski emphasized that a video analysis of the Stuttgart league game in Potsdam would not provide much information. "If the main playmaker is missing then this game is relatively uninteresting for us."
In any case, the SSC has already gained its own experience in Stuttgart. A few weeks ago, the Mecklenburg women suffered their first and only defeat of the season with a 0:3 (24:26, 24:26, 19:25). The knowledge gained from this game should help with the preparation. "If Stuttgart can call up their maximum level, then they are the top favorites for all national titles. But we have to be ready. If they open the door a crack, then we can go through there."
The otherwise usual arrival by bus is dispensed with. Instead, the SSC flies from Lübeck to Stuttgart on Friday. "But we're still trying to approach this game as normally as we can so as not to make it bigger than it already is," said Koslowski.
