A packed Afas Dome roars as Greenyard Maaseik and Decospan Menen enter the court for a historic Lotto Cup Final — the first ever played on a tricolour volleyball floor.

Set 1 — Menen strike first
Both teams start at full throttle: clean reception, sharp setting, and attackers scoring at will. Menen take the early lead (9‑7), with Gimeno on fire, while Perin keeps Maaseik in the race.
Late in the set, errors creep in on both sides, but Menen stay ahead (21‑16). Maaseik fight back to 23‑22 and save two set points. At 24‑24, everything is open again… until Gilles Vandecaveye unleashes a blistering ace: 26‑24. Menen lead 1‑0.

Set 2 — Menen double their advantage
Maaseik respond immediately (1‑3), but Menen level (5‑5). The atmosphere intensifies and so does the level of play. Menen pull ahead again (14‑12), and Van De Velde delivers a huge block for 18‑13.
Maaseik close the gap thanks to Perin (21‑19), but a service error ends the set: 25‑21. Menen lead 2‑0.

Set 3 — Maaseik refuse to fold
Meijs keeps Maaseik alive and the Limburgers start aggressively (2‑5, then 3‑8). Menen fight back to 9‑11, but Maaseik maintain control (12‑16).
The end of the set is tense: Menen close to 17‑19, then 21‑23. Perin finishes it with a clever touch: 21‑25.

Maaseik reduce the gap to 2‑1.
Set 4 — A knife‑edge battle
Point for point, neither team gives an inch. Perin and Meijs shine for Maaseik; Gimeno and Vandecaveye answer for Menen. At 12‑13, the set is wide open.
Freimanis delivers a crucial block (19‑21), and Maaseik hold on to take the set 23‑25.
The final goes to a tie‑break.

Tie‑break — Menen complete the miracle
A spectacular start sees Menen jump to 4‑0 after a challenge. At the side switch, they lead 8‑4.
Maaseik close in at 10‑7, but Menen stay in control. At 13‑10, the Cup is within reach. Sinnesael earns the first match point (14‑10).
A final challenge confirms it: 15‑10.
Menen win the Lotto Cup Final!

Image: Pim Waslander