8 May 2007 By Graham Croker
Sydney University volleyballers have had a solid preparation in readiness for the beginning of the State League competition on May 20.
The club fielded four teams and trialed 45 players at a two-day preliminary tournament in Newcastle last weekend. It was the third preliminary tournament before the competition proper, in which Sydney University will field a men’s and a women’s team in First Division, two women’s team in Second Division, and a men’s team in Second Division.
The women’s Division I team at Newcastle was missing player-coach Julie Kim and experienced hitter Jenn Baldwin from the team that won the Illawarra preliminary tournament the previous week.
And, with an average age of 20, and an average height of 175cm, they lacked height and experience. But hard, aggressive serving, smart and powerful attacking options, and backcourt speed saw them progress through the pool rounds. Clever use of the net, and hardened livers helped dispose of the University of Technology, Sydney, in the semi-final before they met their match in the final.
The Sydney North line-up, with an average height of over 185cm (with three players over 190cm), prevailed 25-22 and 26-24. It was great preparation for the State League competition.
The men’s Division I team, using their fourth setter in three tournaments, continued to build on teamwork and combinations at Newcastle. Each player in the line-up had their moments and on-court attitude and communication were strong, though momentary lapses in focus and concentration cost the team dearly. With an average age of just over 19, it is a team on the rise and could be a dark horse in the State League.
Sydney University was also able to field Blue and Gold teams in women’s Division II preliminary tournaments, in preparation for the start of the State League.
The Blue team - a mixture of returning players and new blood - won its pool in comfortable fashion but bowed out to UTS in the semi-final, while the Gold team consists of many players new to the game but keen to improve.
As club spokesman, Ed Binnie, said: if work ethic counts for anything, both Division II teams could make the State League semi-finals.
The competition awaits.