The Golden League final was a thriller that ended with a Swedish victory.
Now, the Challenger Cup awaits – but without Isabelle Haak.
The star is resting at home.
The Challenger Cup in Manila, the Philippines, is a qualifying tournament for the Nations League, and successes in the upcoming tournaments can give Sweden a historic World Championship ticket in volleyball.
The last spots for the 2025 championship will be awarded at the end of August.
Sweden's journey there begins, however, without the team's biggest star.
"Isabelle Haak is not part of the national team traveling to the Philippines. 'Bella' had a long and tough playing schedule last year with many matches and is staying home in Sweden to recharge for upcoming challenges", writes the Swedish Volleyball Federation in a press release.
The Challenger Cup takes place on July 4-7, with eight national teams participating, and the winner qualifies for the Nations League 2025.
Sweden starts against Belgium, and with a win, awaits a semifinal against either Kenya or Puerto Rico.
"We are really looking forward to playing the Challenger Cup for the second year in a row. The level is going to be really high, we know that, and we have prepared ourselves over the past two weeks with intense training, where we worked a lot on our weaknesses", says national team coach Giulio Cesare Bregoli.
Setters: Hilda Gustafsson, Vandoeuvre Nancy, Vilma Julevik, Hylte Halmstad.
Liberos: Emmy Andersson, Hylte Halmstad, Filippa Brink, Santovka Olomouc.
Middle blockers: Hedda Broberg, Örebro, Julia Nilsson, Engelholm, Kirsten van Leusen, Stichting Sliedrecht, Linda Andersson, MAV Előre.
Outside hitters: Alexandra Lazic, Il Bisonte Firenze, Anna Haak, LOVB, Cecilia Malm, Charleroi, Paulina Lindberg, Örebro, Saga Nilsson, Gislaved.
