Mixed fortunes for Cambridge VC & Anglia Ruskin University volleyball teams
Opening day serves up a win and a defeat in National Volleyball League
A new-look Cambridge VC & Anglia Ruskin University squad suffered an opening day defeat to Herts VC in the National Volleyball League, Women’s Division One.
With the departure of many last season’s players, nine newcomers have arrived and that led to a starting line-up of captain Francesca Tantussi, Weronika Wrzos-Kaminska, Stephanie Neun, Klaudia Kolsut, Molly Knewtson, Christiana Smyrill and libero Morgan Little.
By the time Cambridge had settled, Herts had built a solid lead that they did not surrender, winning the opening set 25-17.
The more experienced Gosia Bienik started the second set in the middle and some strong serves by Neun and good blocking from Knewston and Weronoka helped the team hit their stride.
Herts came back strongly with some impressive blocking and power hitting to reduce the deficit, and a late run of points saw them stake the set 25-21.
The same Cambridge line-up that finished the second set started the third, and the teams were evenly matched which meant neither were able to get a run of points.
Defences were on top which led to long rallies, but ultimately Herts prevailed to take the set 26-24, and therefore the match 3-0.
Setter Neun was the most valuable player for Cambridge VC & ARU, who face Lincoln Cannons in the National Cup, second round this Sunday (October 7).
Cambridge VC & ARU men’s team had their first game in Division One against fellow-promoted side Intervolley Manchester.
The only change saw new setter Sven Panz brought into the starting line-up.
They won the first two sets, gaining 29-27 and 25-16 advantages, but saw Intervolley hit back 27-25 in the third.
However, Cambridge maintained their composure in the fourth to win 25-20 and take the match 3-1.
Apostolos Averkiadis was Cambridge’ most valuable player.
They face Tamworth Spartans at North Cambridge Academy in the second round of the National Cup this Saturday.
