Suhl creates cup sensation: "We are the wolf pack"

After the first huge celebration of the cup sensation against Stuttgart, the VfB Suhl volleyball players first had to sort out their party plans. "I was so tired all week. I couldn't train because I had so much pain in my leg, so I don't know. But I want a beer!", said captain Roosa Laakonen after the rousing 3:2 win against the big favorites.

A double block by the Finn with Sanaá Dotson sealed the Thuringians' second cup triumph after 2008 in the tie-break. "I never thought we could win the title," said Laakonen, who gritted her teeth for the success. "I'm so proud to be part of this team. We made history today."

Coach Hollosy: Never give up

The Suhl players got off to a furious start, led by the Bundesliga's top scorer Monika Brancuska (33 points). Stuttgart should have been forewarned. Last weekend, second-placed Suhl had already inflicted the first defeat (3:2) in the league on first-placed MTV. "You can't start the game like that," said national player Pia Kästner.

But Stuttgart came back. Suhl had to tremble once more, but held its nerve away from the Wolfsgrube, the name of its home sports hall. "We are the Wolfpack and we never give up. We showed several times that we can really fight and scored impossible points," said an emotional coach Laszlo Hollosy. "I simply have no words for this victory."

In front of more than 12,500 fans in the Mannheim Arena, there was also a volleyball celebration from the stands. In the front row, the fans from Suhl, who had made the journey with them, whipped the team forward. Middle blocker Laura Berger was also overwhelmed after the win: "I still can't believe that we've won this trophy here, in this indescribable arena. With 12,000 spectators, that's the greatest thing. It's simply unbelievable."

Now the Thuringians can possibly set their sights even higher. Stuttgart remain the big favorites for the title, but have now lost twice in a row to VfB. "Of course we're still second in the table, but we can beat big teams like Stuttgart and that's a great feeling," said Laakonen, who was then allowed to celebrate.