15 Oct 2023
Opening Weekend: Day two round-up
Having already completed a 3-0 success in the men’s version of the all-unis battle yesterday (Saturday), the women followed suit with another assured performance.
Led by US professional and captain Kathryn Attar, they rarely looked in trouble as they closed out a 25-14, 26-24, 25-20 success to make the journey home a happy one.
Arguably the game of the day was third on court as Leeds Gorse and SideOut Polonia went head to head.
In a hugely-competitive encounter, the London club drew first blood by claiming the opening set 28-26 and looked in control in the second as well until a superb run by Gorse help them level through a 25-19 scoreline.
Polonia slipped back into top gear to take the third 25-14, with set up an epic fourth set.
Both sides had set points before SideOut closed out the match 32-30 in one of the best sets played all weekend.
The first match – also the first match of the MAAREE Women’s Super League 2023-24 – saw newly-promoted Coventry and Warwick Riga test their credentials against Malory Eagles.
However, unlike men’s newcomers Stockport yesterday (Saturday) they were unable to rise to the occasion against the Eagles, despite no lack of effort.
Malory were always comfortable as they eased to a 25-22, 25-16, 25-21 triumph.
The other new team in the top-flight, London Lionhearts suffered a similar fate at the hands of Darkstar Derbyshire despite showing plenty of promise.
Led by the attacking prowess of Zsofia Palankai-Omoshebi, the East Midlands side closed out the first set 25-20.
The Lionhearts levelled at 1-1 with a 25-21 second set win, but Darkstar restored their lead, winning the third 25-20.
The fourth set served up terrific entertainment and saw the Londoners save matchpoints before Darkstar were finally able to finish it off at 28-26, sealing a 3-1 overall victory.
The other match to be played saw defending champions Durham Palatinates illustrate they will be contenders once more as they beat Cambridge ARU 3-1.
After forging into a 2-0 lead (25-19, 25-22), the Eastern side clawed their way back into the match by claiming a tight third set 28-26.
But Durham had the final say as they streaked ahead in the final set to take it 25-16 and start they title defence in style.
Volleyball England would like to thank all players, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff and supporters for making the Super League Opening Weekend possible – and such a memorable event.
Watch out for more coverage from a fantastic weekend across Volleyball England’s socials and website this week.
Pics by Nathaniel Macrae Photography.
