France: Montpellier open 2025/26 final in a perfect way – Poitiers defeated at home in straight sets!

Written by Danilo for Volleytimes©️.
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Best of three Final series of 2025/26 MARMARA Spike League started today with a clean away win of Montpellier on the field of Poitiers, 0-3 (18:25, 22:25, 17:25), who take a big step towards their 9th title in club’s history after 1946/47, 1948/49, 1949/50, 1950/51, 1971/72, 1972/73, 1974/75 and, more recently, 2021/22!
Poitiers, who also lose middle blocker Lukas Maase, forced to left the court in second set due a shoulder injury, tried to reply with the efforts of Thomas Pujol, the only player in double digit among the hosts (17 points through 52% in attack and 3 aces), but he wasn’t enough against a stronger rival, who dominated the game from start to finish, with a great performance from setter Mathias Sanchez, who completely disrupted the rivals’ block (only 1 point from this element in three sets).
Simon Hirsch led the winners with 15 points to his name including 3 aces, 2 blocks and an impressive 71% in attack, well supported by Tomas Lopez Pascual, who added 13, Ezequiel Palacios and Nicolas Le Goff, who also contributed with 11 and 9, respectively.
Game 2, in Montpellier next Friday, May 9, and Games 3 (if necessary) on Sunday, May 11, with the home team in a strong position for 2026 title, while Poitiers will try to re-open the series after their second final in a row after the one lost to Tours in 2024/25 to take their third title after 1998/99 and 2010/11, in which they won against, again, Tours!
Another fun fact: Montpellier hasn’t lost a single set to Poitiers February 24, 2024 (and five matches have been played since then)!
Last set won by Poitiers dated back to December 2, 2023, when Montpellier won at home by 3-1!

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🏐| MARMARA SPIKE LEAGUE 2025/26 | FINAL

Saturday May 2, 2026 | GAME 1
• 21.00 (Local Time) | Poitiers – Montpellier 0-3 (18:25, 22:25, 17:25) Series: 0-1

Friday May 8, 2026 | GAME 2
• 21.00 (Local Time) | Montpellier – Poitiers

Sunday May 10, 2026 | GAME 3 (if necessary)
• TBD (Local Time) | Montpellier – Poitiers

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