where volleyball is the winner
QF2 2 : Sydney Strykers 0
After a very warm day in Sydney and the squad reeling from 4 consecutive losses, the scene was set for an interesting match.
QF2’s imports were away on International duties, leaving early in the week to attend their teams training camp in Melbourne. This left the team with six players, forcing some lineup changes. Alcides and Toru moved into their preferred setting roles, leaving Rob to play outside as the second hitter. A change in tactics was also on the cards with a focus on blocking and defensive positioning.
The first set started well, with relatively few mistakes. Some intervention from the centre divider gave an early break to the Strikers. With solid hitting from Ross, some great defensive positioning and a lot of scrambling shifted the momentum to QF2. The Strykers droppped their heads and increased their error rate. Down 13-20 QF2 rallied to get the score back to 21 all before taking the set 27-25.
The second set was much of the same. Down a set the Strykers struggled for cohesion while QF2 continue to execute their gameplan. A slow start put QF2 down 14-9 but again QF2 scrambled well and got back into the game with the rest of the set going point for point. A couple of close calls towards the end, and a fantastic final point gave QF2 the set 25-23 and their first win for the season.
With 100 points played for the game only two sets managed to be completed.
Next week brings the clash of the Qantas B teams with QF1 playing and on fire QF2, in a grudge match for the ages.