BC Uzwil Begins Season with Focus on Youth and Experienced Blend
BC Uzwil’s season launch saw a team undergoing a planned rejuvenation, resulting in two closely contested defeats.A key element of this shift was the increased integration of young players, particularly on the women’s side where Yaël Brunnschweiler (17), Sanna Germann (17), and Lina schadegg (19) all featured.While the men’s team initially relied more on experience, with Noel Tappeiner (18) competing in National League B and Liano Panza (19) reaching the quarter-finals of an international tournament in Algeria, the club’s long-term vision is clear.
The experienced core for the men included debutant Kai Waldenberger (42), returning player Rinoy Manavalan (28), and player-coaches Iztok Utrosa (37) and Miha Ivanic (27), supplemented by Dutch reinforcement Robin Tabeling (31).
Uzwil’s first match was an away fixture against Yverdon, narrowly lost 3-5. Points were secured by Miha Ivanic (men’s singles), the doubles pairing of Miha Ivanic and Iztok Utrosa, and the mixed doubles team of Lina Schadegg and Robin Tabeling. A draw was within reach, a positive result considering Yverdon fielded four international players.
the following home game against reigning champions Lausanne resulted in a 2-6 defeat, a scoreline reflecting the existing strength disparity between the two teams. However, luminous spots emerged. The men’s doubles duo of Manavalan and tabeling delivered a convincing performance and secured a well-deserved victory.Lina Schadegg (19) thrilled the home crowd with a dramatic comeback in her women’s singles match,taking the win and earning eager applause.She had previously triumphed in mixed doubles alongside Robin Tabeling.
Despite the two losses,head coach iztok Utrosa expressed satisfaction with the start. “We are on the right track. The young hopefuls are developing excellently and the experienced players give the team stability,” he stated. Team captain Miha Ivanic offered a more measured assessment: “The performance is right, the results can be even better.”
The second Uzwil team,competing in National League B,enjoyed a successful start,securing two draws and a win in their first three matches. As last year’s NLB champions, they have quickly returned to the top of the league table.