AVL Round 6 wrap

Men’s Matches – PHX vs MEL
Match 1: 3-0
Match 2: 3-2

For round 6 of AVL the Phoenix travelled to the central coast for the final home round of the season. Running a clinic with the local kids in the morning allowed them squad to connect with the local community before the matches against vipers.

Fresh off the back of two wins against Tasmania the Phoenix started the weekend strong and took an early lead. Some incredible blocking by Chris Twine was supported by efficient offence by Tim Taylor and Sean Bosschieter to run away with the first set 25-13. The vipers tried to fight back with some player changes bringing in Daniel Cleary who was immediately attack by the Phoenix serve. Liam Van Genst led the vipers with some good attack scoring 12 points for the game, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Phoenix onslaught at bay and the NSW boys took the first match of the weekend 3-0.

Day 2 and the Phoenix started strong again taking the first set 25-18 with some great passing and steady attack the Phoenix looked set to take the second game in a similar manner to the first. Melbourne Vipers brought a good end to the second set and challenged the Phoenix with a set point before captain Ben Abbott stepped up to serve a clean ace and some strong blocking by Phoenix gave them a 2-0 lead. With a little confidence the Vipers took an early lead in the third up 12-6 before NSW found a second wind and caught up with a roller coaster finish to the set and a nervous match point error by the Phoenix, Melbourne had found their first set of the weekend and Brough confidence into the fourth set. The vipers women cheered loudly in support and helped lift the Melbourne boys to level the match 2-2. Melbourne jumped ahead to a 5-2 lead with a few quick hitting errors from the NSW offence. Knowing the season was on the line, the Phoenix once again rose to the challenge set in front of them. Superb reception by Ben Abbott and Ben Genenger, and unstoppable offence by Sean Bosschieter and Tim Taylor was supported by solid blocking by Chris Twine and Sam Cleary and the Phoenix once again showed they can never be counted out winning the 5th and final set of the weekend 15-8.

Needing 2 wins against the Heat next weekend to progress to finals, the Phoenix men will travel to Canberra full of confidence from a 4 win run.

Women’s matches – PHX vs MEL

Match 1: 3-1 MEL Vipers

Match 2: 3-1 NSW Phoenix

This weekend saw the Phoenix girls play against an undefeated side in the Melbourne Vipers. We all knew it would be a very difficult match and we set ourselves the goal to play for improvement without focusing on the result.

We played a great game on Saturday, but Melbourne came up with better solutions during important moments. Melbourne took the game 3-1, but playing all the sets point after point with the utmost attention, the girls were very good and all very united, this is one thing that distinguishes us, playing all for a common goal.

On Sunday we prepared ourselves in the best possible way, during the pre game meeting we looked at each other and said, let's be excited to win because we can do it. We started the game very aggressively, after the first balls played with a pinch of fear, we unlocked and dictated the game, dominating in long rallies, we were always present in defense by touching the majority of balls and always playing intelligently in the Break Point phase. Head Coach, Max Gubbiotti said “I'm really proud of each of them, and feel lucky to be able to coach such a strong team with so much character.”

A big round of applause this week to Captain Laura Reeks who in times of difficulty has always brought calm to the group helping each teammate to bring out their best, congratulations to Kelly McLeod because she played a great game especially in the Block Phase, closing the third set in spectacular way.

Finally, a big compliment to Kim Meyer because she was called on the pitch in the most complicated moment of the match and played the last few points in an excellent way and helped the team find the victory.

Now we are all focused on preparing for the last round against Canberra, a young team but already with a lot of experience, we are sure it will be a great challenge.