A number of volleyball matches were played last week at the Cottonera Sports Complex. In the under 18 category, Flyers beat X-Sel 2-0, Paola overcame the challenge posed by Playvolley in straight sets and Fleur de Lys beat Kerygma 2-0. In the men’s senior league, CFK Fleur de Lys beat Kerygma 3-1 and went to occupy the first place in the men’s league sharing the spot with Alosyians Lipton.
In the ladies senior league Playvolley Blue, Kerygma and Paola Hibs Candy overcame Flyers, Playvolley Red and X-Sel respectively.
In the under 15 league, Paola Whites strengthened their position at the top of the table when they beat X-Sel 2-0. Flyers A and Playvolley also had successful outings against Paola Blacks and Kerygma.
This weekend’s top match in the ladies league was between Flyers and Playvolley Blue. Flyers needed three points out of this game to consolidate their second place position. On the other hand, Playvolley Blues needed a win to narrow the gap at the top and revive their high-placing ambitions. It was a rollercoaster ride for both teams as they fought for each point with none of the squads conceding anything to the opposition.
Lindsay Cordina and Martha Curmi had a good match for Flyers whilst sisters Daniela and Sandra Bonnici were crucial in Alan Gauci's formation. The match ended in Playvolley Blues favour with a 3-2 set score. This takes Playvolley to occupy the fourth place with two games in hand.
The second match played on Sunday was between Playvolley Reds and Kerygma. The Reds took an initial lead but Kerygma soon stepped up their pace and managed to equalize. With a final effort after the second technical time-out, Kerygma surpassed their opponents and won the first set. It was Chris Crocker’s Playvolley that stole the show in the second set as they performed a good number of attacks and blocks that helped them equalize. Kerygma setter Nadia Taliaferro was at her best and served their foreign player Anne Catisson with excellent attacking opportunities to gain precious points. It was Kerygma that continued at this pace and won the match 3-1.
The final match in the ladies category was between X-Sel and Paola Hibs Candy. X-Sel gave a good performance however lost a close first set 28-26. In the second set, Hibs played better, put X-Sel under pressure and closed the set 25-17. X-Sel were in no mood to throw the towel and fought back during the third set with Belinda Milton, Thais Gatt and Annalise Cassar playing at their best. X-Sel won this third set 25-20 and threw the game wide open. The fourth set was marred with many unforced errors from both sides. Efforts by Hibs players Alison Borg Hayman, Delicia Farrugia and a number of good services by Gertrude Zarb ensured that the fourth set and the full three points go to the Paolites.