The mixed volleyball started with the first point to Lancaster. The score went almost tit- for-tat throughout the first half of the set until York broke away, gaining a substantial five point league that would expand to win the set 18-25. Lancaster benefitted from a very controlled routine but York had the edge. Lucia Linares was instrumental in constructing most of the York plays. Whilst many of the Lancaster plays were thwarted by Sven Sabas blockades at the net. Smashes and good constructive play from Harry Pampiglione also spurred York on.
The second set, however, was a different story. Lancaster took the lead in the early stages reaching 7-2 surprisingly quickly after miscommunication from York leaves them trailing. Fratczak of Lancaster used his incredibly powerful smash to devastating effect, it remained unreturnable all set. York also looked to be stressed throughout the set, needing time outs to sort their heads out. However, it was not to be and the powerful Lancaster smashes combined with good teamwork meant the red rose took the set 25-12.
The third set started off as the second did- with Lancaster pulling ahead as they asked York questions York just weren’t capable of answering. In a short time Lancaster had pulled ahead to a 11-6 lead. They again struggled to return Fratczak’s smashes but also pulled off some impressive network. They were definitely the cooler headed of the two teams in this set, one Lancaster player disagreeing so heartily with a decision that expletives started flying around the previously happy court. Despite clawing back a few points towards the end Lancaster took the set 25- 18.
Pakowski started the final set with a serve that rocketed miles out of the court but Lancaster still rack up the points with their unstoppable smashes from Cannings. Lancaster forced York to duck and dive all over the court all over the court. The Lancaster team put up a fight the entire set and seemed to overwhelm York, they pulled ahead 7-15. Harry Pampiglione exercised a succession of killer shots and in their desperation became more communicative as a team, and their play improved dramatically. With the score at 22-9 at the final time out York seemed to be staring defeat in the face. Lancasrer made a school boy error, but was laughed off and seconds later delivered the final blow. The final score of the game was 25-10 to Lancaster with Lancaster winning overall 3 sets to York’s one.
Captain Katie Wilderhofer commented that ‘there was good team spirit, particularly in the first set then we got out of the swing of it again but it was a good match’
Vision MOTM: Sven Sabas