Lausanne, Switzerland, February 19, 2019 – Denise Hanke and Pia Kastner, who are set to team up for Germany in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL), will need to put their friendship aside on Sunday when they meet across the net in the German DVV Cup Final.
The pair became close friends during the Japan 2018 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship and even shared a room at times, but Hanke will line up for SSC Palmberg Schwerin, while Kastner will wear the colours of Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the final at the SAP Arena.
The 29-year-old Hanke has already won the Cup twice, along with five German championships, but for Kastner, 20, Sunday’s Cup Final will be her first. Both players are adamant that they will put their friendship aside for the duration of the match.
“During the game, I do not care who I play against,” Kastner said, “I want to win.”
“This final is the biggest game we can reach as volleyball players in Germany,” Hanke added. “It’s an unforgettable experience.”
Once the final is over and their club duties are completed the pair will be able to turn their attention to Germany’s VNL campaign. Germany begin in Poland where they will meet the host nation, Italy and Thailand. Felix Koslowski’s team then play hosts in week four when they take on Belgium, the Netherlands and the Dominican Republic.
Both players were part of one of Germany’s most memorable results in recent years when they defeated Brazil 3-2 (14-25, 19-25, 32-30, 25-19, 17-15) in the World Championships. It was Kastner’s first taste of a major tournament, and she is now highly likely to team up again with Hanke in the VNL.
“Pia is one of the greatest talents in Germany,” Koslowski said. “Denise has been playing at a high level for years and is very important to us with her quality.”