LNV: Tours, Hoag Repeat As Champions
For the fourth year running, Tours VB are the champions of France after once again defeating Paris 3-2 (19-25, 33-35, 25-15, 31-29, 15-6) in dramatic comeback fashion in the LNV Finals.
It's now safe to call them a dynasty. This is Tours' sixth French Championship and their fifth in six years, and will be adding this trophy to the French Cup they won earlier this year.
For a while though, it looked like it was going to be third-timers charm for Paris. After clinching the second set by the incredible score of 35-33 to go up 2-0, you would think Tours was ready to bow out.
But you don't tie the league record for most consecutive championships by giving up. The infusion of Nick Hoag (Sherbrooke, Qb) brought new life to Tours, and they were ready to fight. Hoag came in off the bench and was absolute dynamite, scoring 20 points ( 16 kills, three aces and a block) in a little over three sets of play. On top of it all, he even scored the winning point.
Spending the majority of the second-half of the season on the bench, this was not the season expected the 22-year old to have given his performance with Team Canada in 2014. Regardless of his past troubles, he was able to step up at the most crucial of moments and lead his team to victory, something needed in the Canadian ranks.
With the win, Tours once again secures a spot in the 2016 CEV Champions League. Next up, they attempt to go for a fifth-straight, a feat that has never been accomplished in the LNV. Paris (2000-2003, 2006-2009) is the only French team to win four in-a-row, a record Tours could break in 2016.
That wraps up Volleyball Source's coverage of the French LNV. Tune in once again next year as we bring you all the news and results from Europe's top leagues!