On new challenges: Union Volleyball Waldviertel starts season

On new challenges: Union Volleyball Waldviertel starts season

The Union Volleyball Raiffeisen Waldviertel starts the new season with great expectations and fresh wind. Next Saturday, the Nordmänner from the Waldviertel in Bleiburg will compete against SK Aich/Dob, a team that has changed significantly after a disappointing last season. The encounter promises to be an exciting start.

The team changed a lot in summer, which makes it difficult to assess their current form. Manager Werner Hahn emphasizes that the new coach Miroslav Palgut and the rejuvenated team need time to develop their full potential. "We have made some changes and it will take some time before we are 100 percent again. Nevertheless, we are optimistic that it will be an exciting season," explains Hahn.

new player and fresh wind

The team has strengthened with six new players. This includes two new Liberos, which are supposed to fill the gap after Jakob Reiter's end of career. The 25-year-old Bosnian Matej Ivic comes from the Croatian top club Ok Cratis Varaždin, while 19-year-old Paul Kiss changes from Sokol/Post SV Vienna. The English diagonal attacker Zacharay Palankai-Omoshebi (25) also opened his tents in the Waldviertel after playing the Bulgarian top club Deya Volley.

In order to strengthen the middle block game, 31-year-old Pole Kornel Kowalewski and 26-year-old Ukrainian Illia Dovhyi were hired. Kowalewski has already gained experience in the Austrian league and Dovhyi is looking forward to his first experience abroad. In addition, 25-year-old foreign attacker Niklas Etlinger from Master Tirol joined the North men. This shows the involvement of the club, especially in the decisive positions of the game.

exciting derbies and championship expectations

The anticipation for the upcoming games is noticeable, especially on the first home game against Master Tyrol on October 12th in the Zwettler Stadthalle. In addition, a derby against the promoted St. Pölten is on the plan, which everyone involved is looking forward to. Hahn is enthusiastic about the competition in his own state: "This shows how important volleyball in Lower Austria is and I am excited to see how the league develops."

The first games are crucial for the northern men to commit themselves in the table. The aim is to fight for a place among the top four teams, which is of great importance for the players and the entire club. "A lot can be achieved with our great audience in the back," adds Hahn.