News from the club

Maaseik, Belgium, March 28, 2013. Noliko MAASEIK and Knack ROESELARE will be crossing once again their ways in the Championship series of Belgium’s national league. With Knack having already topped the charts of the Playoffs, Noliko advanced to the last act of the competition after claiming a dramatic game with the real sensation of the season, Prefaxis MENEN. With this result, Noliko and Knack did also claim the two spots available to represent their country in the 2014 CEV Volleyball Champions League.

In what was the most anticipated game of the Playoffs, Noliko and Prefaxis – mentored by the former head coach of France’s BEAUVAIS Oise and Euphony ASSE-LENNIK, Alain Dardenne – contributed a world-class game as 2,400 fans were in attendance at Lotto Dôme. Prefaxis MENEN started out with the right pace by seizing the opening set (25-23) and did set the tone also for most of the second, going up 24:20 before – powered by their always great fans – the home guys of Noliko stormed back to make it 1:1 (29-27). After this terrific final rush, last year’s champions looked more confident as if they had got rid of some pressure and they literally dominated the scene in the third set for a massive 25-14. However, Prefaxis did put up a good fight also in the fourth set but Noliko eventually prevailed bringing it home with the score of 25-22 for the final 3:1.

“This is a happy end of very dramatic Playoffs” libero Bert Derkoningen (pictured) says. “We have got rid of all the stress and pressure because the qualification to next year’s CEV Volleyball Champions League is extremely important for our club. We all look forward to the Championship series with Knack; even though our archrivals seem to have the right edge this year, we’ll fight until the end to retain our title”.  
Noliko qualifies for the final act of the national league for the 20th consecutive season and the Championship series – to be played with the format “best of five” – is set to start this coming April 3 with Knack enjoying the home advantage after topping the charts of the Playoffs.

Maaseik, Belgium, March 24, 2013. Noliko MAASEIK will be playing Prefaxis MENEN this coming Wednesday in the last round of action for the Playoffs of Belgium’s national league and the winner of this clash will eventually get the right to represent the country in the 2014 CEV Volleyball Champions League. Knack ROESELARE has already made sure it finishes a top of the charts and will claim one of two spots at stake for Europe’s elite competition.

Last year’s national champions of Noliko have gone through ups and downs in the Playoffs by alternating good performances and disastrous matches. They showed their worst side also this past Saturday as they lost to Argex Duvel PUURS. Noliko actually caught a good start claiming the first set with the score of 25-13, kept momentum also in the second but ultimately their opponents brought it home after a very close final rush (27-29). Argex Duvel imposed their rule in set 3 (25-19) but Noliko responded by calling for the tie-break after seizing the fourth set (25-19). There the guys mentored by head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove could not capitalize on seven match balls and lost the match 2:3 (20-22). On Wednesday Noliko will have a last chance to finish second in the standings of the Playoffs while hosting Prefaxis MENEN at Lotto Dôme. The winner of this clash will claim the second Belgian spot for the next edition of the CEV Volleyball Champions League and play Knack ROESELARE in a Championship series with the format “best of five”. Two former players of Noliko – Dragan Radovic and Kristof Hoho, a native of Maaseik – who are currently representing the likes of Prefaxis MENEN will contribute additional flavor to this much anticipated game.

Maaseik, Belgium, March 14, 2013. After six rounds of action in the Playoffs of Belgium’s national league, Noliko MAASEIK is ranked second, tied with Prefaxis MENEN, the absolute sensation of the season. Knack ROESELARE tops the charts with a margin of two points on their closest competitors.

The Playoffs have already contributed some surprising results, especially if you take into account that Prefaxis MENEN did barely make it to the second half of the season but has won five out of six matches so far in the Playoffs to sit in second place alongside Noliko MAASEIK. This means that the group mentored by head coach Alain Dardenne is in contention for one of the two spots at stake to represent Belgium in the next edition of the CEV Volleyball Champions League. Knack ROESELARE caught an excellent start in the Playoffs but surprisingly lost their last game – in straight sets – to Top Volley ANTWERPEN. This defeat leaves the door open for Noliko MAASEIK to make it to the top of the standings if they edge Knack this coming Saturday at Lotto Dôme. “We hope to beat Knack for the first time this season” Noliko head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove says. “My players know that they have a unique opportunity to make it to first place in the charts of the Playoffs but it won’t be easy as Knack has been playing very good this season. However, supported by our great fans, we’ll do our best to claim that match”.

Maaseik, Belgium, March 4, 2013. After making it to the Playoffs 12 of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League, Noliko MAASEIK is going through ups and downs in the national league. Their campaign in the Playoffs started with a 1:3 defeat to Prefaxis MENEN before the guys around head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove edged Argex Duvel PUURS at home (3:1). This past weekend Noliko traveled to Roeselare to play there the archrivals of Knack and lost at the tie-break after dissipating a 2:0 lead.

The two teams finishing atop of the charts in the national league will eventually qualify for the next edition of the Champions League and hence pretty much is at stake in every single match.  “Right before the start of the Playoffs our libero Bert Derkoningen got injured and we do not know how long he will be out” Noliko mentor stresses. “I had to appoint somebody else for this position and since Jelte Maan has got some experience playing as libero for the Dutch national team, he will be Bert’s substitute until he returns in action. I am not searching for excuses but this is a major handicap for my team as we miss Derkoningen as well as the contribution of Jelte Maan, one of our best wing spikers”.

Noliko – Belgium’s national champion – started out really good by pocketing the first two sets (26-24 and 25-19) but the hosts of Knack ROESELARE fought their way back (25-16, 25-19) to call for the tie-break before wrapping it up there at 15-12. For Knack this was the fourth consecutive win over Noliko MAASEIK this season. “We displayed a good performance in the first two sets and this shall keep our spirits up for the remainder of the Playoffs” Van Kerckhove adds. “The next couple of matches are extremely important as we first host Top Volley ANTWERPEN on Wednesday and then play Euphony ASSE-LENNIK on Saturday. We need to win these matches to keep our chances alive to remain in contention for the Championship” the Belgian mentor concludes.

Maaseik, Belgium, February 24, 2013. Noliko MAASEIK was recently awarded “best team” for the year 2012 by the authorities representing the Province of Limburg. This distinction was presented during a special gala that was hosted by Noliko at Lotto Dôme, the sports hall where the Belgian club plays all of its home matches.

Limburg Governor Herman Reynders praised Noliko for what was an incredible year where the side from this tiny town swept all domestic competitions (Supercup, national cup as well as national league) and qualified for the Playoffs 12 of the CEV Volleyball Champions League. “Noliko is an excellent ambassador for the Province of Limburg and I hope this winning streak will continue also in the future” Reynders said.
Head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove said upon receiving a special commemorative trophy: “We indeed had a terrific season last year and hopefully this award will help my guys step up and find the right motivation for the remainder of the season after we recently lost the cup final to Knack ROESELARE and our first game in the Playoffs to the likes of Prefaxis MENEN”.

Antwerp, Belgium, February 17, 2013. About 5,500 fans got together on Sunday at Lotto Arena in Antwerp as Knack ROESELARE claimed Belgium’s national cup by edging their archrivals of Noliko MAASEIK with the score of 3:1 (16-25, 25-19, 25-23, and 25-22).

Actually Noliko had caught a very good start by setting the tempo of the match in the first set (8:4, 12:6) as Latvian spiker Hermans Egleskalns was standing out in offense. Last year’s champions did not lose control of the operations (21:13) and could comfortably seize the opening set (25-16).

In set 2 Knack ROESELARE stormed out to a provisional 8:5 lead at the first technical time-out and the side that is currently topping the charts of the Belgian national league could bring it home at 25-19 for the 1:1. The score remained very close in set 3 up to 15 all, before Hendrik Tuerlinckx (pictured) scored three aces in a row to move the charts up to 18:15. Noliko fought their way back to 23 all but the next couple of rallies were claimed by Knack for the final 25-23. Set 4 followed a similar plot with Knack going up by two points at the second technical time-out and controlling the operations up to the end (25-22) to celebrate a well-deserved 3:1 win.

“Some small details determined the fate of the match; my players did believe in their chances of beating Noliko for a third time this season and their motivation contributed this victory” a happy Knack head coach Emile Rousseaux says. “We lack consistency and can’t keep the necessary quality all the way through” an upset head coach of Noliko, Brecht Van Kerckhove stresses. “We played a good first set but then made a way too many mistakes. This is something we really need to improve on; anyway my congratulations to Knack ROESELARE on their win”.

Maaseik, Belgium, January 30, 2013. The roster of Belgium’s sensation Noliko MAASEIK – that recently made it to the Playoffs 12 of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League – includes very talented guys who are able to combine their competitive career with other distinctions. Opposite player Wannes Rosiers fully belongs to this group as he recently completed his Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Antwerp.

“I decided to focus on my studies with the ambition to complete this Ph.D. program. I am proud for achieving this goal and grateful to Noliko MAASEIK because they provided me with the chance to test and discover my skills as professional Volleyball player. For any Belgian player Noliko is simply the best you can get; this club is very professionally structured and organized so that you can focus primarily on Volleyball” says Rosiers.  

Wannes started his Volleyball adventure by representing VC VOSSELAAR and after moving up to the first division of the national league, he was transferred to Toyota Wauters AVERBODE. After that he played for Aquacare HALEN before joining Noliko MAASEIK in 2011. “Noliko’s goal is to claim the national league and perform well in the CEV Volleyball Champions League, so you get a series of high-level matches throughout the season, the perfect arena for any player to test his skills and continue his development” stresses Rosiers. “Unfortunately we could not make it to the Playoffs 6 but we played a good return match with Zaksa KEDZIERZYN-KOZLE here in Maaseik and it was really close in the end. We are topping the standings of the national league and most probably we’ll be fighting for the title with Knack ROESELARE and Precura ANTWERP. We also qualified for the final of the national cup to play there on February 17 our archrival ROESELARE, so I think that so far we had a good season” he continues. Right before the start of the 2012/2013 season, Rosiers was chosen to captain Noliko after previous team leader Jo Van De Craen had moved to Soleco HERK-DE-STAD. “I feel honored and I try to help and assist my teammates as much as I can”. What about the future? “My contract comes to an end this season but there is an option for another year. I am sure that we will evaluate this opportunity at the end of the season and come to an agreement” concludes Dr. Rosiers. 

Maaseik, Belgium, January 25, 2013. As they played their last match of their European campaign this past Wednesday, Noliko MAASEIK had a special guest in attendance, and namely a gold medalist from the last Paralympic Games in London, Marieke Vervoort.

She opened the game by serving the “ceremonial” first ball and afterwards attended the match that opposed the home heroes to Poland’s Zaksa KEDZIERZYN-KOZLE. Vervoort and her special assistant – a dog named Zenn – were welcomed by the audience with a standing ovation to pay respect to this remarkable athlete and personality. Vervoort claimed silver this past summer in the 200 m wheelchair T52 setting also a European record. She did improve on that performance only five days later by rushing to Paralympic gold in the 100 m sprint combining that honor with a Paralympic record.

She was very impressed by the atmosphere and ambiance to be enjoyed at Lotto Dôme: “I like watching Volleyball and being here tonight in this impressive venue to watch the game from the first row of the stands is great. Unfortunately Noliko could not make it to the next round but this is the quintessence of sport: sometimes you win, sometimes you lose” she stated.

Maaseik, Belgium, January 22, 2013. Even though they were boosted by 2'700 fans, the home guys of Noliko MAASEIK eventually lost 2:3 (25-22, 18-25, 25-18, 31-33, ande 13-15) their second match of the Playoffs 12 against Poland’s Zaksa KEDZIERZYN-KOZLE that eventually makes it to the Playoffs 6 after that side had claimed also the previous clash played last week in Silesia.

After losing last week, Noliko needed to score a home win to make it to the golden set but even though Zaksa opposite player Antonin Rouzier was out due to injury, still the guests started out well and the score remained very tight up to the first technical time-out. After that, Noliko got the control of the operations (17:14, 20:16, and 23:20) and could deservedly cash that opening set (25-22).

However, as 300 Polish fans had found their way to Belgium, Zaksa did not surrender that quickly and responded by setting the pace all the way through in the second set (8:10, 10:13, 12:16). Noliko fought bravely but was not able to stand that quality and consistency with Zaksa going for the 1:1 (18-25). Zaksa started out well also in the third set (3:5) but Noliko clawed back to level at 8 and then moved to the front by four at the second technical time-out. The home crowd was particularly loud by this moment and could boost the home guys to the 25-18 that re-opened the fate of the game.

Antonin Rouzier eventually joined the game in set 4 and helped by a few mistakes committed by Noliko, Zaksa could fight back (12 all). After an ace by their American setter Kyle Caldwell, the Belgians could almost see the finish line (20:15) but once more the hosts dissipated their lead and Zaksa could call for the tie-break after a dramatic finish (31-33). Noliko caught the better start there (5:3, 6:4) but Zaksa fired back and after a series of ties, it was Rouzier who killed the last spike (13-15) to start the party for the Polish fans in attendance there at Lotto Dôme. “This is a great victory, especially after we came back in the fourth set where Noliko was leading 24:21” says the head coach of Zaksa, Daniel Castellani.

“We do regret all the opportunities we could not exploit tonight as we had real chances to go for the golden set” stresses Noliko assistant coach Johan Verstappen. Jelte Maan top scored in that losing effort for Noliko with 19 points while Jurii Gladyr paced Zaksa with 15.

Maaseik, Belgium, January 20, 2013. Noliko MAASEIK is determined to play their best this coming Tuesday as they play Poland’s Zaksa KEDZIERZYN-KOZLE in the return match of the Playoffs 12. Even though some days ago they lost in straight sets, still the Belgians got somehow the right confidence as the score line there was quite close, especially in the last couple of sets (29-27, and 27-25). Additionally, Noliko got another boost this weekend after clearly dominating its last match of the national league with Argex Duvel PUURS.

“This is the match of the year for our team” emphatically says head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove. “We are ready for this second clash and we know that with a top team like Zaksa you need to take every single opportunity that is being given to you. We did not do this last week in Poland and it is obvious that my players have to deliver their best to bring it home also via the help of our fans. We have nothing to lose and will be focused and determined right from the start”.
Zaksa will travel to Belgium after suffering a 0:3 defeat to Delecta BYDGOSZCZ that is hence the provisional – and surprising – leader of Poland’s national league.

Kedzierzyn-Kozle, Poland, January 16, 2013. Poland’s Zaksa KEDZIERZYN-KOZLE stamped on Wednesday a splendid win in straight sets (25-16, 29-27, and 27-25) to edge Belgium’s Noliko MAASEIK in the first round of the Playoffs 12 and assert its ambitions to make it to the next stage of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men.

Zaksa started the match showing great determination and the right focus with Michal Ruciak and Antonin Rouzier scoring a few times to quickly move the score up to 6:1. The real supremacy of the hosts was evident also some minutes later as the scoreboard showed a terrific 11:3 for Zaksa and even though Belgian coach Brecht Van Kerckhove tried to stop that negative trend still the home side was leading the way 15:6 right before the second technical time-out. Noliko could fight its way back for a while but still not compensate for such disastrous start and Zaksa finished it off at 25-16 with a spike killed by Rouzier. Noliko stepped up in the early phases of the second set especially from the serving line and Zaksa seemed helpless and unable to find a way to stand the serves by Simon Van de Voorde (6:9). After a time-out asked by their coach Daniel Castellani, the home heroes clawed back and even went to the front (16:14) after blocking Jelte Maan. A very close battle followed with Noliko missing out on four set balls before Rouzier – once more – sealed the last point for Zaksa (29-27).

Noliko caught the best start also in set 3 (8:6) but Luis Felipe Fonteles helped Zaksa storm back and draw level at 10. However, Noliko dictated the pace of the game also by the second technical time-out (16:13) before Zaksa stabilized their reception and could restore the balance. Jelte Maan received a yellow card by the first referee and this moved the charts up to 23:21 for the home side but Noliko was not yet ready to surrender, leveling the count at 24 all, before Fonteles wrapped it up for the joy of the local fans (27-25). “I wish we had woken up a little earlier to stand the fight; tonight Zaksa really showed their class” said after the game Noliko mentor Brecht Van Kerckhove.

“I am happy with this victory but still we do expect a very demanding match next week in Belgium” concluded home mentor Daniel Castellani.

Maaseik, Belgium, January 9, 2013. As they are intensively preparing for their much awaited clash with Poland’s Zaksa KEDZIERZYN-KOZLE coming up next week for the Playoffs 12 of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League, the players of Noliko MAASEIK recently got to test the likes of the side that is mentored by their former head coach Vital Heynen, i.e. Ziraat Bankasi ANKARA.

The club from Turkey’s capital city had traveled to Maaseik to spend a week there enjoying the splendid facilities provided by the local “Lotto Dôme”. “This was a very good opportunity to create the right team spirit” says Heynen. “We have added two experienced players to our roster, namely setter Adriano from Brazil and Cuban spiker Yosleyder Cala Gerardo, and this week will be used to complete their integration into the group”.

“Next week we’ll have a tremendous challenge in Poland, so to play friendly matches like this with Ziraat Bankasi is very beneficial for all of us” adds Noliko mentor Brecht Van Kerckhove. “It is also very nice to get to meet Vital and his guys”.
Noliko started out strong by claiming the first two sets with the score of 25-14 and 25-21, before the guests eventually responded in set 3 going up by 5 points (13:18). However, Noliko got back on track and after drawing level, flipped the charts around to claim a 3:0 win (25-21).

Maaseik, Belgium, December 30, 2012. Noliko MAASEIK recently qualified for the last and deciding act of Belgium’s national cup that is scheduled for February 17 at “Lotto Arena” in Antwerp. Noliko did so by edging Axis Shanks GUIBERTIN in straight sets (25-15, 25-22, and 25-23) and repeating that same performance in the return match played in front of their home fans (25-16, 25-17, and 25-12). With this result Noliko got to the last stage of the Cup for the 23rd time and will be playing for the crown for the eighth consecutive season.

“The national cup is always one of our main goals” says head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove. “The final is one of the highlights of the domestic season and a good way to claim a first success quite early in the year. Additionally, it is always a great pleasure to play in Antwerp with some 5’000 fans in attendance” he stresses. Noliko’s opponent there will be archrival Knack ROESELARE that did need a golden set to cruise past Schelde-Natie Precura ANTWERPEN. Knack had claimed the first match in straight sets but with ANTWERPEN emulating their opponents in the return clash, it was the golden set that eventually determined the second side that will be going for the trophy.

Maaseik, Belgium, December 20, 2012. This season two players joined the roster of Noliko MAASEIK for the first time: US American setter Kyle Caldwell and Dutch middle-blocker Lars Lorsheijd. The 27-year old Lorsheijd is actually a very experienced player who moved to Maaseik after spending the past season with France’s TOURCOING Volley.

Lorsheijd was very sport-oriented right from his childhood: “Beside Volleyball I also played tennis and soccer and even practiced judo and water polo” he says. “However, at a certain point I was called to join the Dutch Volleyball Academy and hence focused entirely on this sport. I played my first match in the national league by the time I was only 17. After graduating from high school, I joined the club of Nesselande ROTTERDAM where I spent three seasons” he recalls. “Then I was contacted by TOURCOING Volley where I spent another three years”.

For the 2012/2013 season Lorsheijd was initially contracted by Stade Poitevin POITIERS but this team eventually withdrew from the first division of the national league due to financial problems. “My teammate from the Dutch national team Jelte Maan told me that Noliko MAASEIK was looking for a middle-blocker after Pieter Verhees had left to play in Italy for Andreoli LATINA. I spoke with head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove and we rapidly finalized our partnership” says the Dutch player.
“I am very impressed by the way our training sessions are organized here in Maaseik. They are very diversified and innovative but still we always aim at the maximum” he adds. “I also have to acknowledge the great work by the club. There is a very solid organization, plus a lot of motivated people, a good staff and many volunteers who do their best to support the team. As for the results, we have had a very good season so far as we have finished the prelims of the CEV Volleyball Champions League with six wins and will play Zaksa KEDZIERZYN-KOZLE in the Playoffs 12. This is a real challenge that everyone is looking forward to”.

Noliko is currently ranked second in the national league and has qualified for the semis of the Belgian Cup. “The balanced roster of the team where every player is equal is the real key to our success” stresses Lorsheijd who has played more than 100 matches with the Dutch national team but has decided to take a break from the “Oranjes”. “The group has very good middle-blockers such as Rob Bontje and Wytze Kooistra and I haven’t been playing much lately. This combined with my studies and my young daughter has made me decide to take a break from the team. I am happy to be in Maaseik and want to achieve much success with this group in this season”.

Maaseik, Belgium, December 16, 2012. The results of the DOL for the Playoffs 12 of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men were received with mixed feelings in Maaseik as Noliko was drawn to play Poland’s Zaksa KEDZIERZYN-KOZLE in the next round.

“We have to play the best among the second-ranked teams of the prelims and the current leader of Poland’s national league” says head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove. “Zaksa was in the same prelim group of four-time club world champion TRENTINO Diatec and they lost only two matches in that Pool, namely to the Italian standout. The Playoffs 12 will be very tough but a possible advantage for us results from the fact that we play the first match in Poland and a possible golden set would then follow here in Maaseik” continues the Belgian mentor. “Zaksa has got a very good roster, including France’s opposite Antonin Rouzier and two players from Poland’s national team, i.e. setter Pawel Zagumny and middle blocker Marcin Mozdzonek” adds Noliko setter Matthias Valkiers. “However, we are very motivated and we feel ready to fight with such great opponent for a spot in the Playoffs 6”.
Middle blocker Simon Van de Voorde seems pretty happy with the outcome of the DOL: “Poland is a real Volleyball country and all matches are played before a massive crowd. I really look forward to playing there and to getting to experience their incredible fans”.

Maaseik, Belgium, December 7, 2012. Noliko MAASEIK is always trying to find innovative actions in order to make the sport more and more attractive for the fans and the media.

Noliko TV was recently created and all fans can finally enjoy post-match interviews with the head coaches right after completion of the home games played at “Lotto Dôme”.
“Thanks to the knowledge and skills of Pieter Kunnen from ROOD16 we have been able to implement this tool” says Luc Weltjens who is a member of the press staff there in Maaseik. “The first reactions we got from our fans are very positive as their discussions after the match are being supported by the possibility to follow the interviews with the coaches. I have to say that we are very grateful to all coaches who have been ready to cooperate with us in the home matches we played for the prelims of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League”.
That same company, ROOD16, is responsible for producing also the promotional video clips that the club is using throughout its European and domestic campaign.

Maaseik, Belgium, December 4, 2012. Noliko MAASEIK scored on Tuesday night its fifth consecutive victory in prelim Pool F of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men by edging Marek Union-Ivkoni DUPNITSA of Bulgaria. With 1’500 fans in attendance Noliko cruised past with the score of 3:0 (25-15, 25-14, and 32-30) to stay atop of the table in the group with 14 points.

Noliko MAASEIK caught a good start (4:2) but then Marek Union-Ivkoni DUPNITSA took over the lead (4:5). In a nervous game Noliko MAASEIK fought back (8:6) and took the lead with a margin of four (12-8) widening it steadily (16:10) eventually clinching the first set rather easily with the score of 25-15.
Noliko MAASEIK continued its impressive performance in set 2. The hosts stayed focused and kept Marek Union-Ivkoni DUPNITSA constantly under pressure (5:2). Noliko MAASEIK exhibited top form with well-placed powerful serves, fierce fast-tempo hits and a precise defense (10:7) to take a crucial lead (16:9). Noliko MAASEIK maintained its momentum (20:12) throughout the remainder of the set as the offensive efforts of youngsters Kevin Klinkenberg and Hermans Egleskalns anchored the home side to the provisional 2:0 (25-14).  

Marek Union-Ivkoni DUPNITSA recovered from losing the first two sets and broke away in the third set (0:4; 2:7 and 3:8). Noliko started its comeback (7:9 and 8:11) but the Bulgarian team did not give in (11:13). Once again the roaring home fans helped their heroes through a difficult, but final comeback (17:17). Both teams sided out 18:18, and 22:22. Marek Union-Ivkoni DUPNITSA then took the lead (23:24, 24:25), before Noliko drew level at 26:26. Both teams fought bravely for a few more rallies but in the end it was Noliko MAASEIK to win the third set (32-30) and game.   “My young team was very nervous in the first two sets and made many mistakes, I’m happy that our performance was much better in the third set. I regret that we could not take this set,” the head coach of DUPNITSA, Nayden Naydenov, stated. “This is a great performance, we played as a team again after two losses in the national league; we have the first place in our pool, so mission accomplished” said a very satisfied Noliko coach Brecht Van Kerckhove. Latvian Hermans Egleskalns was Noliko best scorer with 20 points while Kostadin Gadzhanov was DUPNITSA’s most prolific player with 11 points.

Maaseik, Belgium, December 2, 2012. After four rounds of play Belgium’s Noliko MAASEIK tops the standings of Pool F in the prelims of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League with an immaculate record of four wins in as many matches. However, to make sure they will finish the League Round on top of the group the Belgians need to take two more points from the last couple of legs, with the first opportunity to achieve this goal coming up this Tuesday as they play host to Bulgaria’s rookie Marek Union-Ivkoni DUPNITSA at “Lotto Dôme”.

“Even though we know that we just need two points to make sure we finish first in our group, we still want to achieve our primary goal, which is to claim all our home matches in this competition” says Noliko head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove. “We played really well in Bulgaria and will try to do the same on Tuesday here in Maaseik. DUPNITSA played really well in their matches with CAI TERUEL, so we can’t underestimate this young side” he adds. “We want to show some good Volleyball as we play the strongest team in our group” stresses Bulgarian mentor Nayden Naydenov. “The main goal in this European campaign is to provide our young players with the opportunity to grow and gain valuable experience from every match. We are trying to finish third in the group and hence a win could help us pretty much fulfill this goal. Maaseik brings back some nice memories from this past summer as we had a training camp here with Bulgaria’s national team as we were finalizing our preparations for the London Olympics”. DUPNITSA recently claimed its last match in Bulgaria’s national league by edging Arda KARDZHALI in straight sets (25-19, 25-22, and 25-21) while Noliko suffered its second defeat in the domestic arena losing to ScheldeNatie Precura ANTWERP 1:3 (25-20, 23-25, 18-25, and 14-25).

Maaseik, Belgium, November 28, 2012. The coaches of Noliko MAASEIK always try to make their training sessions attractive and innovative. To achieve this they already use a ‘serve-cannon’ and a ‘speed gun’. Their latest special equipment is a ‘block board’, manufactured by one of Noliko’s die-hard fans.

“This ‘block board’ proved already to be very useful since it somehow forces our players to choose a certain direction while practicing their attacks. Moreover, it plays an important role in our defense drills. On top of this it is nice to use in our famous warming-up games. The manufacturer paid attention to details like safety and user-friendliness. The players can’t hurt themselves and the gear is easy to manipulate” a very satisfied coach Brecht Van Kerckhove states. 
It is also cool that the block board is made by a fan of Noliko. “I was honored when I was asked by our head coach to create this special equipment, I am of course proud of the result” says handy man and Noliko fan Ronny Dirkx.

Maaseik, Belgium, November 26, 2012. Some 2'600 supporters were in attendance this past weekend at “Lotto Dôme” as Noliko MAASEIK and its archrival Knack ROESELARE crossed their ways for the first time this season. Additional flavor was contributed by the fact that Noliko and Knack had swept all of their previous matches in the national league and hence the leadership in the standings was going to be at stake.

Knack ROESELARE caught an excellent start by seizing the first set 25-17 but Noliko responded promptly pocketing the second after a very close final rush (25-23). The home guys, supported by their always passionate fans, controlled the operations also in set 3 (25-18) before ROESELARE stormed back to call for the tie-break (25-22). The deciding set was packed with emotions, Noliko went ahead 13:11 but it was Knack that stood out in the final phases of the match going for a very much deserved 3:2 away win (16-14).
“We were not ready for this game as we had dissipated pretty much energy, also mentally, in the past few weeks” says head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove. “Knack tonight demonstrated that they have a good team and they will be tough opponents for this season’s honors”. Hendrik Tuerlinckx stood out once more for Knack: “This is great and we are happy to have showed that Noliko can be beaten. The team played a great match, so this is a victory of our good collective” he said.

Maaseik, Belgium, November 20, 2012. Noliko MAASEIK scored on Tuesday night its fourth consecutive victory in prelim Pool F of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men by edging Arkas IZMIR of Turkey for the second time in about seven days. With 2’300 fans in attendance Noliko cruised past with the score of 3:2 (21-25, 25-23, 25-18, 26-28, and 15-13) to stay atop of the table in the group with 11 points.

Arkas IZMIR went to the front in the first set (10:12 and 11:16) but Noliko did not want to let it go and fought back to 17 all. Arkas IZMIR eventually moved ahead once more (18:19 and 19:23) and could pocket the opening section of the game (21-25). The second set started with the score remaining very close (5:6) but IZMIR gradually asserted its supremacy (5:9 and 9:13). Supported by the home audience, Noliko drew level at 14 all and after that both teams completed their next side-outs up to 19:19. Arkas broke away (20:23) but Noliko came back once more and finished it off with an ace (25-23). Arkas IZMIR dictated the pace of the game in set 3 (4:8, 5:10) but Noliko pulled together for the 11 all with a series of six services by Hermans Egleskalns. With another impressive run, Noliko moved the score from 15:13 to 25-18 to go for the provisional 2:1. The hosts played with great determination in set 4 (4:1, 8:6, 14:10) and maintained the lead up to 23:22 before IZMIR bounced back to call for the tie-break (26-28). In the beginning of the final and deciding set, the score remained close before Noliko got up 10:7; Arkas stormed back once again (13 all) but it was Noliko that had the upper hand in the end (15-13) for the joy of the local audience. Egleskalns and Colombian Liberman Agamez top scored for Noliko and Arkas with 15 points apiece.
“Today we played much better than we did last week although not consistent enough. Our passing was not good and we still had too many ups and downs” said Canadian Glenn Hoag, head coach of Arkas, after the match.
“This is surely a team victory as all players included in the roster joined the game tonight and could testify their importance for the team. It is just wonderful to win the game in this splendid scenario with the crowd accompanying all of our actions very enthusiastically” said Noliko assistant coach Johan Verstappen.

Maaseik, Belgium, November 18, 2012. After scoring a 3:1 away win this past week in Turkey with a performance that was appreciated also by the local fans of Arkas, Noliko MAASEIK of Belgium prolonged its winning streak in the prelims of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men to three consecutive matches. The Belgian champions will host this Tuesday the side from Izmir for the fourth round of action in Pool F.  

“It will be a very difficult match for us especially since the players of Arkas will be very motivated after the defeat they have suffered last week. We will enjoy the home advantage in a hopefully sold out Lotto Dôme. With the support of our fans we shall be able to perform our best” says head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove. “We have to play much better than we did at home. My players have to understand that every single match in this competition is important and we need to be focused 100%” adds Arkas mentor Glenn Hoag. “Noliko is a very solid team and the match will be a real challenge”. Noliko joins the action after edging another CL competitor, Euphony ASSE-LENNIK, in straight sets in the last round of the national league (25-23, 25-22, and 25-23).

Maaseik, Belgium, November 15, 2012. Noliko MAASEIK has added only a couple of players to its roster for the 2012/2013 season with one being US American left-handed setter Kyle Caldwell. The 206 cm tall Caldwell comes from Newport Beach, California, and started as a basketball player before he eventually switched to Volleyball.

“I started playing Volleyball at the age of 13 and initially combined this with basketball, a real family tradition. My grandfather even played in the NBA and is a member of the NBA’s hall of fame. When I entered the college I decided to focus on Volleyball and became a member of the team of the University of California Los Angeles. Next step was playing for the USA team in the Pan-American Games. Noliko MAASEIK got to see a video, contacted my agent and offered me a contract. Through my teammates and professional Volleyball friends I found out that Noliko is a very good European team with an excellent reputation and for the 12th consecutive year participating in the prestigious CEV Volleyball Champions League” an enthusiastic Caldwell states. Noliko coach Brecht Van Kerckhove also was impressed by the video. “It was clear that this was a player with a great potential, the kind of player that we like working with here in Maaseik”.
Kyle Caldwell moved to Belgium in August and started his career as a professional Volleyball player. His impressions after the first three months are very positive. “Reality goes beyond my expectations, this club is very professional and very well structured, everything is taken care of and you only have to focus on Volleyball. The team roster is balanced and all players are exchangeable which is important because we all like to play. I’m also impressed by the environment, Maaseik is a nice town, very clean and people living here are friendly and remarkably they all known the players of Noliko” Kyle states.
Setters Mathias Valkiers and Kyle Caldwell lead the team to an already impressive season’s record with a 3-1 victory in Turkey against Arkas IZMIR in the 3rd leg of the main phase of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League as their most recent success.

Ankara, Turkey, November 14, 2012. Vital Heynen was recently appointed head coach of Turkey’s club Ziraat Bankasi ANKARA after this team caught a disastrous start of its domestic season sitting at the bottom of the standings in the national league after six rounds. Heynen – who is also the head coach of Germany men’s national team – replaces Veljko Basic, whose contract was ended with immediate effect.

Heynen will combine this position with his responsibility for Germany’s national team and he also remains an advisor for Noliko MAASEIK, the Belgian club he mentored for the past few years. “This is a great challenge for me” says Heynen. “The team consists of a few experienced players plus some members of Turkey’s youth national team all born in 1993 and 1994. These young guys have a great potential and I will have to make good use of it to claim good results. Our first goal is to finish the season by remaining in the first division of the national league. I have visited the club and have noticed that the conditions to work there are really good”.

Izmir, Turkey, November 13, 2012. In what was a game where the provisional leadership of Pool F was at stake, Belgium’s Noliko MAASEIK edged the hosts of Arkas IZMIR tonight at “Atatürk” sports hall with the score of 3:1 (22-25, 25-16, 27-25, and 25-17) to keep a perfect record after three rounds of action in the prelims of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men.

The guests from Belgium caught a good start going up 8:6 and 16:14 in the first set but the home side was able to step up the quality of its play, eventually flipping the charts around at 21:20 and performing strong down the final stretch for the provisional 1:0 (25-22). Noliko opened set 2 with a terrific 8:2 run and easily cruised to the final 25-16 after enjoying a margin of ten by the second mandatory stop. Arkas IZMIR dictated the pace for most of the time in set three (8:2, 16:13, 21:18) but eventually could not capitalize on four set balls, so Noliko fought back to 24 all and completed its comeback at 27-25. After this splendid final rush, MAASEIK kept momentum also in set 4 (8:7, 16:12) and with a great performance by Cameroonian Nathan Wounembaina (pictured) who scored 20 points all alone could celebrate a well-deserved 3:1 away win. The young guys of Noliko received a warm applause by the fans of Arkas for their splendid performance at the end of the game.

Izmir, Turkey, November 12, 2012. Arkas IZMIR of Turkey will host Noliko MAASEIK on Tuesday for the third round of action in Pool F of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League – Men and a match where the provisional leadership in the group will be at stake. Via this home match Arkas definitely wants to get back the first place in the Pool to make a step forward along the way to the Playoffs 12.

“We will play a talented team with a good system of play” says head coach Glenn Hoag. “Last year we were also assigned to the same preliminary group and we were able to finish first, so we shall profit of the home advantage to get the first place back. We currently lead the standings in the national league and I am happy with the performance of my players so far. The support of our fans will be an extra motivation and we hope to enjoy a great Volleyball night” he concludes.

Samokov, Bulgaria, October 31, 2012. Belgium’s Noliko MAASEIK easily disposed of the hosts and rookies of Marek Union-Ivkoni DUPNITSA in the second round of play for Pool F that was held on Wednesday evening at “Arena Samokov” in Bulgaria. Anchored by Latvian Hermans Egleskalns who scored 14 points, Noliko cruised past the Bulgarian side in three sets (25-15, 25-23, and 25-19). With this result Noliko keeps an immaculate record in the Pool with 6 points out of 2 matches, while DUPNITSA remains at the bottom of the charts with zero points.

The hosts started pretty well (4:3) but Noliko went up already by the first technical time-out (4:8), gradually opening the gap (10:20) and eventually sealing the opening set with a comfortable margin (15-25). The score remained pretty close until the very end in the second set before Jelte Maan claimed the final 23-25 for Noliko. Marek Union-Ivkoni had made 10 unforced errors in set 2 and the negative trend did not change in set 3 where Noliko moved up 6:8 and a couple of blocks by Simon Van de Voorde stretched the margin by the second mandatory stop (11:16). Noliko did play some superb Volleyball and could eventually finish the match in straight sets (19-25).

Dupnitsa, Bulgaria, October 29, 2012. Not only the players but the whole community in the city of Dupnitsa is looking forward to the home debut of its heroes in Pool F of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League against Noliko MAASEIK of Belgium.

Marek Union-Ivkoni started its first adventure last week by losing 1:3 to Arkas IZMIR in Turkey but the Bulgarian rookies are improving the quality of their play match after match and hope to continue that positive trend. This past weekend DUPNITSA beat the national vice champions of Pirin RAZLOG 3:1 and remain atop of the standings in their domestic league. “This win is really important for the general mood of the players before we play Noliko MAASEIK. This is one of the best teams in Europe and it is a honor for us to play that side” says head coach Nayden Naydenov. The Belgians are traveling to Bulgaria after downing CAI TERUEL of Spain in three sets in their season’s opening and are also the current leaders in their national championship.

Maaseik, Belgium, October 23, 2012. Noliko MAASEIK claimed its first match in the prelims of the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League by edging CAI TERUEL of Spain in straight sets at “Lotto Dôme” on Tuesday (27-25, 30-28, and 25-22) with 1’600 fans in attendance.

Both teams started out playing aggressively but Noliko broke away after the first technical time-out (from 8:6 to 16:10) and even though CAI TERUEL fought bravely drawing level at 25 all, it was the home side that brought it home with the score of 27-25. The second set was initially very close (8:8) and CAI TERUEL then moved to the front (9:13) before the home heroes fought their way back (17:15, 20:16). CAI TERUEL did not want to let it go that easily and drew level twice at 23 and 28, before Dutch spiker Jelte Maan scored the next two points to contribute the final 30-28. Noliko caught an excellent start in set 3 (8:3) but CAI TERUEL came back (13:12, 18:17) and even went to the front once more (20:22). However, Noliko regrouped to score the next five and finish it off in straight sets. Latvian Hermans Egleskalns was Noliko best scorer with 14 points while Juan Carlos Barcala charted 18 for the guests from Spain. “It was a tough game and CAI TERUEL provided us with good resistance in all three sets we played tonight” says team captain Wannes Rosiers. “However, I am happy with the result which is what really matters in the end”. “Our plan to keep on serving on Manuel Sevillano worked well as we kept his efficiency rate at less than 30%” states home mentor Brecht Van Kerckhove. “I am very disappointed with the result especially since all three sets were very close. On the other hand I am proud of my team because the guys played a great match” singles out CAI TERUEL coach Oscar Novillo.

Maaseik, Belgium, October 21, 2012. After scoring a speedy 3:0 (25-12, 25-23, and 25-20) on Saturday in a home match of the national league against Soleco HERK-DE-STAD, Belgium’s Noliko MAASEIK is well ready for its debut in the 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League coming up this Tuesday at “Lotto Dôme”.

The opponent of Belgium’s standout is CAI TERUEL of Spain that will travel to Maaseik after edging VC ANDORRA 3:0 (25-8, 25-15, and 25-16) in the last round of the national league. “We are very happy that the CEV Volleyball Champions League finally starts. This competition is extremely important for our club” says Noliko head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove. “Our goal is to make it to the Playoffs 12 and to achieve this we need to win all of our home matches. The first step is with CAI TERUEL, a side that we definitely do not underestimate. We hope that there will be many fans supporting us on Tuesday night”.
“Noliko MAASEIK is the clear-cut favorite of this clash as they have very good players in their roster that have been together for quite some time” stresses CAI TERUEL mentor Oscar Novillo. “We will nevertheless try to play our best in order to possibly cause a surprise in Maaseik”.

Maaseik, Belgium, October 9, 2012. Belgium’s Noliko MAASEIK organized on Monday the official press conference to celebrate the upcoming start of the CEV Volleyball Champions League in a unique location. Sponsor Baeten Vinepolis hosted officials, players as well as representatives of the media in the premises where wine is being stored in barrels that have a capacity of 20 liters.

“Our main goal is to remain the best team in Belgium” said a determined head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove. “We have already claimed the Supercup some ten days ago and our intention is to go for additional titles in the national league and Belgian Cup. I am happy that some of our rivals have strengthened their rosters so that we can expect some interesting and close matches. Together with Precura ANTWERPEN, our closest rivals and challengers shall be Knack ROESELARE and Euphony ASSE-LENNIK that will also participate in the CEV Volleyball Champions League”.
Noliko is participating in Europe’s most elitist competition for the thirteenth consecutive year and was assigned by the DOL to preliminary Pool F together with Turkey’s Arkas IZMIR, CAI TERUEL of Spain and Bulgarian rookie Marek Union-Ivkoni DUPNITSA. Very close matches are expected especially since Arkas advanced to the final four finishing fourth this past March in Lodz while CAI TERUEL recently opened the domestic season in Spain by claiming the Supercup. The young guys from DUPNITSA will surely want to display their talent and potential in front of the European audience.
Noliko hopes to finish first in the group to have a good draw for the Playoffs 12. The players share the same ambitions revealed by their head coach. “It is great to play at this level and it is the perfect stage that any Volleyball player may wish to get” says Dutch middle blocker and newcomer Lars Lorsheijd.

Maaseik, Belgium, October 5, 2012. Noliko4Ever is a fan club of Belgium’s standout that was established in 2002, in conjunction with the hundredth match played by the club in the European Cups. Since that time it has played a very important role for that team.

The tenth anniversary of the fan club was recently celebrated together with all players and coaches and turned into a perfect opportunity for getting to know also the newcomers. Team captain Wannes Rosiers praised the fans: “Noliko4Ever is always present and they support us incredibly, so I would like to state that we have got the best fans out there” he said. “They always create a unique atmosphere and support us in all circumstances. We hope that we will be able to pay back their loyalty with some trophies by the time the season comes to a close”.

Maaseik, Belgium, October 2, 2012. The first home match of the 2012/2013 season played at “Lotto Dôme” by Noliko MAASEIK was predominantly dedicated to the young fans of the club. Noliko indeed invited many children and their parents for a so-called “kids fan day” where the guests could catch up with their heroes and join some special activities always linked to the sport.

The action turned into a tremendous success as many kids could visit for the first time the splendid facilities of the “Lotto Dôme” where the coaches of the youth division set up some interesting and captivating activities for the visitors. The game played by Noliko against VBC WAREMME was just the icing on the cake for the young fans of Belgium’s national champion as the local heroes cruised to a 3:0 win (25-20, 25-15, and 25-18) to the delight of this “exclusive”  audience.
After the match, the children started running around to get as many autographs as possible from their heroes and the players were evidently impressed by so much enthusiasm. “It feels great to play for such an enthusiastic crowd, it really lifts you up” said libero Bert Derkoningen.

Maaseik, Belgium, September 24, 2012. Noliko MAASEIK claimed this past weekend the first trophy of the domestic season by edging Euphony ASSE-LENNIK in straight sets as the Supercup was at stake at “Sportoase” in Leuven.

Euphony actually caught the best start in the opening set going up 6:4 and 8:5 before Noliko could gradually re-assert their supremacy to go for a comfortable 25-19. The team around head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove dominated the scene in the second set (25-12) and stretched that excellent momentum to finish it off in straight sets (25-16). Euphony ASSE-LENNIK showed it still needs some time to get the right team chemistry especially since only four players have remained from last season.
The players and coaching staff of Noliko were evidently happy with the result. “It is a good feeling to start the season with such good performance, and hopefully this is just an indication for what is to follow in the next months” said Dutch spiker Jelte Maan.

Maaseik, Belgium, September 21, 2012. Six players recently returned to Maaseik after completing the second qualification round for the 2013 European Championship with their respective national teams. Belgium and the Netherlands starred in Pool B together with Estonia and Israel.

Belgium swept all of their matches in the first round robin played in Kortrijk with a couple of 3-2 wins against Estonia and the Netherlands. A week later in Tallinn, Estonia, Belgium started out with another 3-2 win over the Dutch guys but then lost to Estonia 1-3 thereby paving the way for the Netherlands to qualify for the final round of the 2013 European Championship. Belgium will have a last chance to make it there via the home and away matches against Greece scheduled for May 2013. Belgium’s Simon Van de Voorde, Kevin Klinkenberg, Mathias Valkers and libero Bert Derkoningen all crossed their ways with their teammate from Noliko MAASEIK, Jelte Maan, who was playing for the Netherlands.  
Latvian Hermans Egleskalns – another player of Noliko – performed well anchoring his team to a stellar second place in Pool F at the end of the round robins played in Hungary and in Jelgava, Latvia. France was clearly the strongest side in the group and Latvia will play Turkey next May to make it to the final round.
“I am happy to have all of my players back and fully fit” says Noliko coach Brecht Van Kerckhove. “They all got back with impressive records. In a few days we will start our preparations for the first match of the season as we play the Supercup against Euphony ASSE-LENNIK”.

Maaseik, Belgium, September 13, 2012. Noliko MAASEIK recently signed a couple of players to be added to the roster of Belgium’s national champion. For the 22-year old US American setter Kyle Caldwell, who hails from Newport Beach, California, this will be the start of a professional career in Volleyball and he is about to embark on this adventure in Maaseik together with Dutch middle blocker Lars Lorsheijd.

Caldwell has been playing for the University of California and was part of the US national team that participated in last year’s Panamerican Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. He will replace Dutch setter Yannick van Harskamp who has left Maaseik to play in Italy for Sir PERUGIA. “I am really looking forward to this challenge. Noliko has a good team and an impressive record in domestic as well as in European competitions” he says. “This is a great opportunity for me to know more about my skills and improve as a player”.
Since middle blocker Pieter Verhees was contracted by another Italian club, Andreoli LATINA, Noliko eventually opted for Lorsheijd, who played last season for TOURCOING Volley in France. “This is a great challenge and big step in my career as Noliko has set high goals in the national league as well as in the CEV Volleyball Champions League” stresses the 27-year old Dutch player.

Maaseik, Belgium, September 6, 2012. After many years under the guidance of Vital Heynen, Noliko MAASEIK is mentored this season by the tandem composed by Brecht Van Kerckhove and his assistant Johan Verstappen (see picture).

Van Kerckhove was Heynen’s assistant for the past four seasons after a pretty successful career in Belgium’s first national league. “It is a dream and at the same time a real challenge to be the head coach of a top team like Noliko MAASEIK” he says. “The club is well structured and so we can focus 100% on our work” he continues.
Dutch-born Johan Verstappen, 42, was eventually appointed by the club as assistant coach. After coaching another side competing in Belgium’s first division, Aquacare HALEN, from 2004 to 2007, he continued his coaching career in Switzerland and Finland. “I can only agree with Brecht; this is a very professional club with high ambitions. I am happy to be back to Belgium and look forward to the start of the season” he stresses.

Maaseik, Belgium, August 23, 2012. Head coach Brecht Van Kerckhove and his assistant Johan Verstappen recently got together with some of the players included in the roster of Noliko MAASEIK. Only five are currently available to start the preparations for the 2012/2013 season as many are busy with their national teams and will join the second qualification round for the 2013 CEV Volleyball European Championship coming up in early September.

Two additions to the roster, Dutch middle-blocker Lars Lorsheijd and US American setter Kyle Caldwell, are already in Maaseik. “Everyone is very motivated and eager to start” states Van Kerckhove. “As we closely and fruitfully cooperate with Dutch club STV Netwerk TILBURG, we can invite their players to join us and make our training sessions more effective. The complete roster will be available only by September 16” he adds.
Noliko MAASEIK will be participating for the twelfth consecutive year in the CEV Volleyball Champions League, having been assigned by the DOL to Pool F together with Turkey’s Arkas IZMIR, that last year finished fourth, Spain’s CAI TERUEL and Bulgarian rookie Marek Union-Ivkoni DUPNITSA.