The leading quartet holds no surprises: Ghent, Dragons, Braxgata and Watducks. In other words, Ghent is still alone on its planet when it comes to the semi-finals. As in 2023, in 2022 and in 2021. Ghent dominated the debates during the 22 days of the regular phase. However, the Striped have not had a simple season. Pitfalls appeared along the way. The core had to integrate the news, Struijk and Bonami. The core then had to accept the loss of many stars, called to the Olympic front. Only… three girls were present at all training: S. Vanden Borre, Sinia and Fortes. The others were all requisitioned for the Red Panthers, the U21s and the U18s. In these conditions, it becomes difficult to create this team spirit.
Throughout the winter, there were three of us training.
“We knew the season would be complicatedsummarizes the former Red Panther, Emilie Sinia. I understand the Panthers were focused on Olympic qualification and then the Games. Throughout the winter, there were three of us training. We didn't have any preparation matches. This is the other side. As I am no longer in the national team, I have to fight to keep up. You are often alone. The situation was not easy.”
Today the team did a 'reset'. The whole group started the 'play-off' mode with a desire that started to rise again. The three defeats of the season are forgotten. The disappointing EHL campaign is left behind. “We finally found each other. The state of mind is excellent. We all want to renew our title. The best part of the season starts on Saturday. We are the favorites. When you play for Ghent, you have to win everything and add style to it.”
In four years, the domination of the Rayées has evolved. A real locomotive, the Ghent team has been pulling the entire division since Covid. Three and two years ago, the people of Ghent were alone on their planet. Last season, the Dragons came very close. This year, they have lost three games. “The championship has evolved well. Antwerp and Wellington fought for fourth place for a long time. Leuven has a terrible team that will play top 4 in a few years. I hope our dominance will be increasingly challenged”, continues the one who won a title with Watducks, one with Braxgata and three with Ghent. Waiting for the sixth in 15 days. “I am wary of Watducks who defend well and who can count on big individuals like D’Hooghe, Lhopital, Blockmans or Breyne”concludes the one who has always ended her seasons with a title since she was in Ghent.
Belfius Women League: Watducks, last minute guest in the play-off
The play-off program
Semi-finals
Watducks – Ghent Sat 12 p.m.
Braxgata – Dragons Sat 12 p.m.
Ghent – Watducks Sun 12 p.m.
Dragons – Braxgata Sun 12 p.m.
Finals (Wilrijkse plein, Antwerp)
Saturday and Sunday May 11 and 12 at 1:30 p.m.
The play-off format
The semi-finals will be played back and forth this weekend. The goal average will be decisive in the event of a tie. Leopold, first in the regular championship, has already won his ticket to the EHL. There are still two tickets left to distribute. For women, the qualification principles are identical.
