Switzerland looking for breakthrough performance in 4th EuroVolley appearance
Editorial
Switzerland will make their second straight CEV EuroVolley Women appearance and it is setting its sight on making a big leap this time around.
Switzerland participated in the last edition of the continental championship in 2019, when they beat Belarus in Bratislava, Slovakia, to finish fifth in their pool and the competition in 19th place upon their return to the European stage after they co-hosted the event together with Germany in 2013.
Switzerland made its EuroVolley debut in 1967, finishing 13th in the final rankings. It competed in the next edition in 1971, where it ranked 12th, before taking a long lull as the country did not either participate or qualify in 19 succeeding seasons.
Going into this year’s continental championship, the Swiss have many reasons to be optimistic.
Earlier this year, it scored two big wins against Estonia at the EuroVolley Qualifiers in Belarus to book a ticket to the European championship. The country’s volleyball program has seen some stability in recent years as its core gained more experience from joining the annual invitational tournament, the Montreux Volley Masters, where they also served as the tournament host. And while each participation resulted in a winless record, the Swiss were far more competitive.
One of the players to keep an eye for in this young, formidable squad is their team captain and outside hitter, Laura Kunzler. The 24-year old hitter has taken her talents overseas, playing for the Rote Raben Vilsbiburg in the German Bundesliga and the ASPTT Mulhouse Volleyball in the French Premier League. Switzerland will be counting on her experience and leadership. And with the presence of outside hitter Korina Perkuvac, veteran libero Thays Deprati, and opposite Maja Storck, the squad is in a good position to compete and stay in the mix.
Switzerland’s mettle will be tested against Belarus, Hungary, Slovakia, host Croatia, and European powerhouse, Italy, in Pool C. The Swiss will open their season against the host nation on August 19 in Zadar.