For the first time in Australian Volleyball League (AVL) history, Volleyball Western Australia (VWA) was represented in both the Men’s and Women’s AVL Grand Finals at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Sunday 3 December.
The Volleyball WA Pearls and Hornets teams both ended their season successfully winning Silver medals, giving WA the best combined results out of all the states in the league.
Robyn Kuhl, Executive Director, also expressed her joy and excitement for the teams’ medal winning performances.
“We are incredibly proud of both of the Volleyball WA Hornets and Pearls teams who both won silver medals at the Australian Volleyball League finals on the 3rd December. Congratulations to our coaches and athletes for these fantastic results!!!”
This performance is a notable improvement for both teams from the 2016 season and would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment from Coaches Matthew Hender, Mandy Combes, Mitchell Collins and Stuart Carr. Pearls Team Manager, Carly Walters also supported the team during the season and was a key player behind WA hosting the best home games in the country administered by the Volleyball WA Staff team.
This is the second year that Mandy Combes has coached the VWA Pearls to the finals finishing in a higher position this year from 4th in 2016.
“Our team had a minor setback at the start of our finals campaign with an injury but the girls were ready for the final game. The Uni Blues were really aggressive due to their experience playing together as repeat champions. All the girls put in a great effort and I am very proud of the team. WA volleyball is in a great space.” said Combes.
Matt Hender, the youngest Coach in the AVL, used his experience playing overseas to guide the VWA Hornets to the finals in his first year.
“I was really proud of the boys. We faced the QLD Pirates that has played together for many years and their experience playing together was too strong for us on the day. I am really excited for the future of the Hornets and look forward to what 2018 holds for the team.” said Hender.
WA Liberos, Shelby Maher and Lewis Mc Donald also received awards for the Top Liberos in the AVL 2017.
Volleyball WA thanks the VWA Pearls and Hornets Team Sponsors for their support throughout the season: Hender Property Group, Ookus, Engenium, Pilbara Minerals, Natural Choice, PTHQ, Pharmacy 777 and City of Mandurah.
Both teams look forward to AVL 2018.
See AVL Finals photos on the AVL Facebook Page.
(Photo credit: Carly Walters)