The French Cup finals offered strong emotions and high-level volleyball, with the 'Adidas Arena' in Paris gathering nearly 8000 spectators for the decisive clashes. Within a single day, the men's and women's trophy winners were determined, and in both cases, the favorites managed to assert their class.
Men: Paris Volley broke Nice after a battle for every point
Paris Volley won the French Cup after defeating Nice 3:1 (30:28, 25:23, 24:26, 26:24) in a final that lived up to expectations for a fiercely contested clash until the last ball. The match at 'Adidas Arena' offered a high tempo and a series of dramatic comebacks, with both teams showing character.
The very first set set the tone – exchanges of runs and saved set points from both sides, with Paris snatching the set 30:28 after four saved set points. In the second set, the scenario repeated – an even game, but better efficiency from the hosts in the decisive rallies for 25:23.
Nice showed why they reached the final after a comeback against Tours – the team reacted strongly in the third set and, through the inspired play of Shay Liberman (26 points, 75% attack efficiency), reduced the deficit with a 26:24 win. This fully brought back the intrigue.
In the fourth set, it was again point-for-point, but Paris showed stronger nerves. Vasiliy Molotkov, who played for Bulgarian Montana last season, was the key figure – 33 points, including the decisive one that closed the match. Vuk Kulpinac with 23 points and François Huetz with 6 successful blocks also made significant contributions.
This is Paris Volley's fifth success in the tournament and their first since 2004. The victory also bears the signature of coach Mauricio Paes, who took over the team in February and quickly stabilized their performance – their seventh win in the last nine matches.
Women: Mulhouse defended the trophy with controlled superiority
Mulhouse won their third French Cup after defeating Vandoeuvre Nancy 3:1 (25:20, 25:22, 25:27, 25:15) and solidified their role as a leading team in French women's volleyball.
The final pitted the first against the second-placed team from the regular season, and logic was confirmed – Mulhouse controlled most of the match. In the first two sets, the team gradually built a lead in the middle of the sets, relying on attacking stability and excellent defensive organization.
Reagan Rutherford finished with 20 points, and Kathleen Evans added 15, while libero Léa Soldner distinguished herself with crucial digs in defense. Setter Gretell Moreno dictated the rhythm and varied the play.
In their first final, Vandoeuvre Nancy showed character in the third set. Strong performances by Pimpichaya Kokram (18 points) and Madeline Robinson (14) helped the team save two match points and win the set 27:25. This momentum, however, was short-lived. In the fourth set, Mulhouse dominated completely – 25:15, with middle blocker Léandra Olinga-Andela being decisive at the net with a powerful blocking presence (15 points total).
Thus, Mulhouse defended their trophy and is now looking towards a new goal – the French title, where they are the main favorite, and a possible new clash with Nancy remains a completely realistic scenario.
photos:FFVolley
