Round 16 of the Mizuno League will be played on the weekend of Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, with exciting matches in both the women's and men's divisions. You can follow the Mizuno League live on MyGame , where the matches will be streamed live throughout the season.
Saturday, March 7
Women – Mizuno League
- Koll – Volda at 3:00 PM
- Axe – TIF Viking at 5:00 PM
Men – Mizuno League
- Axe – TIF Viking at 2:30 PM
- BK Tromsø – OSI at 16:00
- Randaberg – Førde at 16:30
Sunday , March 8th
Women – Mizuno League
- Oslo Volleyball – Volda at 15:00
Men – Mizuno League
- TVN – Førde (Not writing anything in this match considering TVN is not playing the full series)
Preview: This weekend's matches in the Mizuno League
the Mizuno League is approaching , and every match could be crucial both at the top of the table and in the fight to avoid relegation. Several teams are fighting for the league title, while others are already looking towards the playoffs or qualification. Here is our advance analysis of this weekend's matches .
Women – Mizuno League Saturday March 7th
Koll – Volda
Match time: 3:00 PM
Koll only has two games left in the Mizuno League, and the capital team is only one point behind league leader Førde. After a strong 3–2 win away to Øksil in the previous round, their hopes of winning the gold medal are very much alive.
For Koll, the task is simple: win the last two games and hope that both Førde and TIF Viking drop points. The team seems in good shape, and Semla Tryggestad in particular, who averages an impressive 11.9 points per game, could be crucial in the gold medal match.
Volda, on the other hand, is heading towards relegation qualification against second place in the 1st division. The last matches of the series will therefore be important to build form and self-confidence before the crucial qualifying matches. With Enda Todorova, who delivers a strong 21.3 points per game, the team still has an offensive weapon that can cause problems for all opponents.
Match analysis
This is a classic top-vs-bottom match. Koll will likely go hard from the start and put a lot of pressure on Volda on serve. If they can break Volda's reception and prevent Todorova from getting good attacking opportunities, much of the work will be done.
The biggest danger for Koll is simply underestimation. If they let Volda into the game, it could quickly become more exciting than expected.
Prediction: Koll wins 3–0
Axe – TIF Viking
Match time: 5:00 PM
Øksil are playing their last home game of the season, and after the bitter 2–3 loss to Koll last weekend, the team will be very keen for revenge. Although the result will not have much impact on the table position - the play-off spot is already secured - they will certainly give the crowd a good end to the season at home.
One player to keep an eye on is Ragni Steen Knudsen, who could be a key player on offense. The question is whether she can deliver over 20 points in front of the home crowd.
TIF Viking is coming off a busy weekend with a doubleheader. First, there was a solid 3–0 win against Volda, before they lost 1–3 against Førde in the top-of-the-table match that decided who would take the top spot. As a result, Viking is now dependent on both Førde and Koll scoring points to repeat last year's league gold.
The long away trip to Øksil does not make the task easier, but the statistics give Bergeners hope: TIF Viking has never lost to Øksil.
Match analysis
TIF Viking will enter the match with full focus on victory to keep the gold medal match alive. We can expect massive serve pressure from the guests.
If Viking hits their level, this could be a tough afternoon for Øksil. At the same time, the home team can play more relaxed without a lot of pressure, which sometimes makes teams extra dangerous.
Prediction: TIF Viking wins 3–1
Men - Mizuno League Saturday 7 March
Axe – TIF Viking
Match time: 2:30 PM
Øksil is coming off a strong 3–1 win against Koll at home, and thus there is a lot of room for the team to secure a playoff spot if they do their job in the last three games.
Against TIF Viking at home, they have a golden opportunity to secure their place already with three points.
However, TIF Viking still has something to play for. They are fighting to secure a home field in the playoff quarterfinals, which makes the long trip north both important and demanding.
Match analysis
Here we could have a showdown between two teams that really want to win. The question is whether TIF Viking will be able to stop Mathias and Isak in attack.
For Øksil, the key will be for these two to perform at their highest level. If they do, this could be a very close match.
I think we can have a dramatic five-setter, where small margins decide.
Prediction: TIF Viking wins 3–2
BK Tromsø – OSI
Match time: 4:00 PM
Last weekend, BK Tromsø lost the opportunity to decide the league title all on their own after a 2–3 loss against Førde, but they bounced back strongly the next day with a 3–1 victory against TIF Viking.
Thus, the hope of gold is still alive.
OSI have already been relegated and are now playing for honour in the final rounds of the Mizuno League. With only two games left, it will be tough to end the season with a win, especially when they face an in-form Tromsø team away from home.
Match analysis
This could be a game where OSI will have to take risks and play on the margins to have a chance. BK Tromsø, on the other hand, will likely try to control the tempo, rely on their own quality and work systematically throughout the game.
The first set could be exciting, but over time Tromsø should be in control.
Prediction: BK Tromsø wins 3–0
Randaberg – Forde
Match time: 4:30 PM
Randaberg is in great form with three straight wins against TVN, NTNUI and OSI. The play-off spot is already secured, and the team can therefore play with their shoulders down and focus on refining their form before the quarter-finals.
Førde, on the other hand, has everything to play for. After the strong 3–2 win against BK Tromsø last weekend, they now have the league gold medal in their own hands.
The challenge? They face a Randaberg team that has only lost one home game this season and that often causes problems for the top teams.
Match analysis
Randaberg can play completely without pressure, which often leads to creative and offensive volleyball. The audience can see spectacular attacks, especially from Kjetil Rissland, who can become a great offensive weapon.
For Førde, the key will be to trust their own game and avoid overcomplicating things, as they did in the cup final against Tromsø.
This could quickly become a thriller and the must-see match of the weekend in the hall or on MyGame!
Prediction: Førde wins 3–2
Women – Mizuno League Sunday March 8th
Oslo Volleyball – Volda
Match time: 3:00 PM
Oslo Volley has already secured a quarter-final spot in the playoffs, and can therefore use this match to build form before the upcoming Oslo derby against Koll on March 22nd.
Volda comes from a match against Koll the day before and will probably be on heavy legs after a tough weekend.
Match analysis
I expect a Volda team that may lack some energy after Saturday's game. At the same time, they know that they need to use the next few weeks to prepare as best as possible for the relegation qualification.
Oslo Volley, for their part, will go out with full focus in front of their home crowd and try to build momentum before the playoffs.
Prediction: Oslo Volley wins 3–1
MyGame – the place to watch the Mizuno League
You can watch the Mizuno League on MyGame via TV 2 Play. Here you get access to exciting volleyball matches from the men's and women's sides throughout the season. The platform gives you the opportunity to follow your favorite teams, watch the matches live and stay updated on the most important matches of the season. For the full match schedule, check out MyGame's match overview: https://kampoversikt.mygame.no/?sport=volleyball
