Gislaved wins Knallecuppen in Borås

Hot, hotter, Gislaved VK. GVK went undefeated in this year's Knallecuppen preseason tournament.

"We have something good going on," says head coach Daniel Magnusson.

Gislaved Volleyboll Klubb has got its best possible start to the season.

Last week, the team beat reigning Swedish champions Engelholm, and during the weekend we followed GVK to their tournament in Borås - where they did not drop a single set.

"This [weekend] was great fun," says the team's new coach Daniel Magnusson.

He continues:

"During Saturday's group stage, I could use the whole team, and it was great to have all the players involved in our three victories. I think this shows that we have a great strength within the group for the tasks ahead."

In the group stage, GVK eliminated Norwegian Törnberg (26-24, 25-21) in their opening match, and followed that up with back-to-back wins against RIG Falköping (25-17, 25-15) and Norsjö (25-16, 25-23).

On Sunday, Norsjö would have a chance for revenge in the semifinals, but it was an easy win for Gislaved:

"We did a really good match in the semis and it won big over NVK (25-12, 25-9)," explains Daniel. "We were in top form and again I was able to use our entire bench."

In the finals, GVK faced Elitserien foe Lindesberg. A real measure of strength for Gislaved VK - and it was a tough final:

"It was tough, and we won a tight, well-fought match (25-23, 26-24). Right now, I feel that both I and the team have got a good proof that we are faring well in pre-season training."

This upcoming weekend GVK goes away for their second training camp in Melbystrand and have a scheduled training match against Svedala.

"This is another opportunity where we have the chance to work out some more details," explains Daniel Magnusson.



It should also be mentioned that GVK's Meghan Sherman was named the tournament's best player.


From LindeNytt:

After two straight set wins against Tonsberg Volley in the semifinals, 25-18 and 25-15, Lindesberg secured both victory and a place in the final. There waiting, however, was a much tougher opponent in the form of Elitserien rival Gislaved.

Smålanders also proved to be a tough nut to crack and Linde dropped a tight first set 25-23. The second set was much the same, but in the end it was Gislaved who took the decisive set 26-24. Thus ending the finals 2-0, and a silver medal in Knallecup for Linde.

"Gislaved played well. They had a good serve and we had problems with our serve reception, that was the difference, I think. But I also do not over analyze the game," says head coach Teemu Sarna.