Antwerp Women recovered from a first-set setback to beat Zoersel Women 3-1 in the Volley League Women on 25 October, turning the match around with improved serving, blocking and composure in the closing rallies.

Zoersel took the opening set 25-22, but Antwerp responded with 25-21, 25-19 and 25-20 to secure a valuable away victory. The result highlighted Antwerp’s depth and tactical flexibility, while Zoersel were left to reflect on a strong start that slipped away as the match wore on.

Match overview

The home side began with energy and attacking intent, edging a tight first set thanks to some sharp outside hitting and a couple of well-timed blocks. Antwerp were not far off the pace, but their serving was initially too safe and Zoersel were able to run their offence comfortably. The visitors changed that after the first set, increasing the risk from the service line and forcing Zoersel into more difficult attacking situations.

• Set 1: Zoersel 25-22
• Set 2: Antwerp 25-21
• Set 3: Antwerp 25-19
• Set 4: Antwerp 25-20

Key moments

The first set was decided late. With the score level at 22-22, Zoersel won three of the last four points, sealing it with a block on Antwerp’s left-side attack. Antwerp’s response in the second set was immediate: they opened an 8-3 lead and, although Zoersel clawed back to within two points, the visitors held their nerve down the stretch.

The third set was the turning point in the match. At 15-15, Antwerp produced a 6-1 run built on two aces and a transition kill from the right side. Zoersel never fully recovered, and Antwerp carried that momentum into the fourth set, where they led from early on and closed out the match with a composed final push.

Tactical story

Antwerp’s adjustment after the first set was clear: they served deeper and more aggressively, disrupting Zoersel’s reception and limiting the home side’s ability to use the middle. That allowed Antwerp’s block to shift wider and challenge the outside hitters, who had found success early on. Zoersel’s error count rose as the match progressed, particularly in transition, and Antwerp’s defence capitalised with several important counter-attacks.

Standout performers

Lore De Backer led Antwerp with 19 points, delivering several crucial kills in the third and fourth sets. Mila Van Acker added 12 points, including three blocks that changed the momentum, while the Antwerp libero quietly controlled the back court with consistent passing and reading. Zoersel’s Eline Peeters was the standout for the home side with 17 points, but she lacked enough support in the closing stages as Antwerp’s block tightened.

Season impact

The three points give Antwerp momentum in the Volley League Women standings and underline their ability to win after a slow start. Zoersel will take encouragement from the first set, but the match exposed the need for greater stability in reception and error control when the pressure rises. For Antwerp, the comeback is a useful marker of their resilience and tactical awareness early in the campaign.