Eurocup update

I know I'm very late on this (per usual) but I really wanted to share some snaps from our first Eurocup trip of the season. We play the CEV Challenge Cup, which is the third highest level of volleyball in Europe after the Champions League and CEV Cup. We we're lucky enough in the draw to make it directly to the second round and got lucky again (or at least I did) because our opponent turned out to be my team from last year, Volley Lugano

Despite our very long travel, less than ideal flights and early departure times we managed to pull through as a team and put up a formidable performance before the sold out crowd in Lugano. We swept my old team in three and I couldn't be more proud of how we played. In my opinion, it was one of our best matches thus far.

After the match I had the time to meet up with my old teammates and friends from Lugano. It was really wonderful to see everyone and have the opportunity to catch up on everything. Its not often that you get the chance to play international matches in a gym you know and in front of familiar faces both in the stands and on the other side of the net.

.In our free time I had the chance to go to some of my favorite places in Lugano and show the city off to my friends at the same time. It felt like I had never left if I'm being completely honest. From the lakeside view to my favorite coffee shops and the Christmas market, everything was as I remembered it. I feel blessed to have been able to live in this beautiful place last season. Here are a few shots from our trip.

The trip turned out to be even better than I expected and it was so nice to see everyone. I can't wait to see them again when they come to Kuusamo for our second match. I hadn't realized how much I actually missed the city. Returning made me become ever more grateful for all the opportunities volleyball has already offered me and will no doubt continue to offer in the future. Sports is a truly beautiful thing.

x Jess