GVK Handed a Tough Loss by Reigning Champs

October 25, 2014

GVK change training plan prior to the derby 

Gislaved | Ditch the heavy weight training.

So, Gislaved VK hopes to change the season that started with a negative trend.

“I think it can give us a boost,” says team-captain Lisa Tannerfalk.  

Volleyball | Two heavy matches. Two heavy losses. Gislaved VK has had to work hard during the season’s start.

Ahead of today's meeting with Hylte/Halmstad team has moved around in the training set-up and perhaps found a break in the trend.

Away with the heavy weights. Maintain the light and fresh legs.

“It feels good that we're doing this now. I think we will be fresh,” says Lisa Tannerfalk.

Have there been heavy legs?

“We started [the series] pretty hard with a 5-set match against Gothenburg. And then it was tough at Svedala, even if it was [a 0-3 loss]. Certainly each day thereafter pretty tough.”

The coach Dick Runesson: “One can not lift heavy indefinitely; you [constantly] break down rather than build up. We have run heavy strength training until after Svedala game, now we change a little bit and I think we will feel lighter in the bodies for a while.”

First test if the change gives the desired result?

A derby at home in Gisle Sportcenter against Hylte/Halmstad.

The reigning Swedish champions who won both meetings with GVK last season.

“Everything but a clear win for Hylte is a great success. I must be honest,” says Dick Runesson. “They have half the national team and they have put a lot of money on their foreign players. They are again considered as one of the top teams.”

But ...?

“So far, they have not shown that they are as good as last year. They barely won against Orebro and lost to Engelholm in 3-sets. They have not quite found it yet.”

What is most important to you?

“I think the key for us is to resist hurricane in the early sets. To not let them run away. As long as we can keep up with them so you get to see what it is going.”

Lisa Tannerfalk adds: “Serve receive is very important. And we must be calm in defense. Stay patient and do not have too many of our own mistakes.

Can you win?

“Yes, absolutely.”

October 25, 2014

Honorable Home Defeat  

Lisa Tannerfalk (9), Meghan Sherman (6), Mikaela Larsson (2)
& Sanna Schultz (11) celebrate a point against Hylte Halmstad

Gislaved | Reigning champion stood on the other side of the net. 

Intimidation? Not an ounce.

Final Score: Gislaved 0, Hylte/Halmstad 3 (20-25, 22-25, 18-25) 

Gislaved really showed zero fear of derby opponent, and reigning  champion Hylte/Halmstad. 

The home team proved once again that they are on the rise, and the match on Saturday was a testament that GVK is heading in the right direction. 

That it was the loss was a side-note for Dick Runesson. He was pleased, despite the loss, and felt they did not need to be ashamed of the effort. 

They pressured the guests throughout the match and, in the second set, had a 20-13 lead, however, GVK dropped the set with 22-25. 

Despite the loss, it was a well-rounded effort by the home team; an effort that bodes well for what's to come.

Match’s Best Players awarded to: Christina Alessi (Hylte/Halmstad) and Meghan Sherman (Gislaved)

Stat Leaders: GVK Sanna Schultz (9 kills, 1 ace), Jollan Åkerlund (4 aces, 2 blocks); HH Danielle Kovacs de Lima (12 kills, 2 aces, 2 blocks), Megan Devine (11 kills), Christina Alessi (10 kills, 2 blocks)