The Volleyball WA Pearls and Hornets have begun their 2017 AVL campaign with an emphatic 4-0 sweep of the Adelaide Storm in Adelaide! Congratulations to both teams on an impressive opening round, and best of luck for this weekend’s round in Melbourne against the Uni Blues!
Article below by Hornets Head Coach, Matthew Hender.
As both teams returned home from a successful weekend in Adelaide, we can say that WA Volleyball has kicked off the 2017 AVL season with some great signs. Here is a small summary of the weekend for all of our supporters.
The Pearls kicked off their 2017 AVL season with style, recording two 3-0 wins over the Adelaide Storm outfit. From somewhat of a shakey start at 3-10 down, the team kept their composure in the first match and fought their way back to 16-16 before taking the lead, the set and then the match, 3-0. This early turnaround on the weekend proved pivotal for the Pearls team in terms of belief, confidence and success. Improved passing and targeted serving, forced the opposition into a miriad of errors which seemed to be their downfall throughout the weekend. Head coach Mandy Combes, had to say “Creative offence by our setters was also very crucial for our team success and gave all of our hitters opportunities and shared contribution. This will be vital going into Melbourne on the weekend against last years Premiers, Uni Blues”.
For the Hornets it was the start everyone had hoped for. The new look team showing that they can compete with some of Australia’s best defeating a resilient Adelaide Strom 3-1 and 3-1. It was a huge team effort with many players stepping beside each other for the first time and adapting a very aggressive brand of volleyball. Our vice captain Mark Petersen had to say “It’s always a great feeling to come away from a double win weekend, especially at the start of the season. It was the first time we, as a team, got a chance to execute what we’ve been practicing into a game situation and it all paid off”. The boys will now focus on making some small improvements before taking on Uni Blues this weekend in Melbourne. Head coach, Matt Hender said “even though we had a great weekend with two wins, it is important now we stay grounded and keep on working on the smaller details to set us up for more success”.
We thank everyone for their support this weekend, stay tuned for another big week of WA Volleyball.
Follow the Pearls and Hornets on Facebook and Instagram! @wa_pearls @wa_hornets
#WAVolleyball #WAVball #WAPEARLS #WAHORNETS #AVL2017
(photo credit J. Tamburri Instagram and Lion Design)