Lausanne Edge Schonenwerd in Five-Set NLA Thriller

Lausanne came through a tense five-set battle against Schonenwerd on October 25, 2026, winning 3-2 in Swiss Volley NLA play. The home side took the match 25-22, 23-25, 25-18, 21-25, 15-12, holding their nerve in the tie-break after Schonenwerd had forced a deciding set.

Match overview

Lausanne started brightly, using a strong serve-and-block combination to take the opening set. Schonenwerd responded in the second, improving their defence and converting transition chances to level the match. Lausanne looked to have regained control with a comfortable third-set win, but Schonenwerd refused to fade and took the fourth to set up a dramatic finish.

• First set: Lausanne’s serving pressure helped them take it 25-22.
• Second set: Schonenwerd levelled with a 25-23 success.
• Third set: Lausanne moved ahead again with a 25-18 win.
• Fourth set: Schonenwerd forced a tie-break by taking it 25-21.
• Fifth set: Lausanne closed out the match 15-12.

Key moments

The tie-break was the obvious decider, but the match’s momentum shifted several times before then. Schonenwerd’s fourth-set performance was full of character, with their block improving and their outside hitters finding gaps in the Lausanne defence. In the fifth, Lausanne moved ahead early and managed the scoreboard well, keeping their errors low and forcing Schonenwerd to take risks.

Tactical story

Lausanne’s best spells came when their serve disrupted Schonenwerd’s first pass. That allowed the home side to set up their block more effectively and create counter-attacking chances. Schonenwerd, however, showed tactical flexibility by varying their attack and using the middle more in the second and fourth sets. The difference in the end was Lausanne’s ability to regain composure after losing the fourth.

Standout performers

Lausanne’s opposite hitter delivered several important points in the closing stages, while their setter kept the attack balanced under pressure. Schonenwerd’s outside hitters carried a heavy workload and kept the visitors in the match, and their libero produced a number of resilient defensive plays. The contest was a good example of how depth and error control can decide a five-setter.

Season impact

The five-set win gives Lausanne valuable momentum and underlines their ability to win tight matches at home. Schonenwerd leave with credit for forcing a decider, but the result leaves them reflecting on the small margins that decided the tie-break. In a competitive NLA season, matches like this can have a significant influence on the final standings.