Snow Volleyball Reaches Knockout Stage After Intense Battles in Val di Zoldo
Val di Zoldo continued to deliver high-intensity university sport as Snow Volleyball reached the knockout phase of the European Universities Winter Championships 2025, with Round of 16 and Quarterfinal matches played on Tuesday.
Despite persistent rain that affected the overall competition schedule, the Snow Volleyball programme was carried out successfully. Thanks to the close cooperation between EUSA, the Local Organising Committee and the participating teams, matches were played as planned, ensuring safe conditions and maintaining the competitive rhythm of the tournament.
Men’s Tournament: Clear Statements from the Favourites
In the men’s competition, the Round of 16 confirmed the strength of several top-ranked teams. University of Warsaw opened the knockout stage with a solid victory over Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, before continuing their winning streak in the quarterfinals.
Strong performances also came from Charles University, TU Munich, and AAU, all of whom secured their places in the semifinals after competitive quarterfinal matches. The progression of German and Central European universities highlighted the depth and balance of the men’s draw, setting the stage for high-level semifinals.
Women’s Tournament: Competitive Matches and Narrow Margins
The women’s tournament delivered equally intense encounters. University of Vienna emerged as one of the most consistent teams, advancing through both the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals with confident performances.
University of Warsaw also confirmed its ambitions, progressing through the knockout rounds after decisive victories. Other teams, including Chernivtsi National University (CHNU) and University of Rostock, contributed to a highly competitive bracket, where several matches were decided by fine margins and tactical discipline.
Resilience and Team Spirit Despite the Weather
Rain remained a constant factor throughout the day, adding another layer of challenge for athletes and organisers alike. Nevertheless, Snow Volleyball once again demonstrated its adaptability as a winter discipline, with players embracing the conditions and delivering physical, fast-paced and emotionally charged matches.
As the tournament now moves towards the semifinal and final stages, Snow Volleyball continues to embody the values of university sport: competitiveness, resilience and international exchange, confirming its growing role within the European Universities Winter Championships programme.