Saints are getting started: Positive balance after home games

The last week saw successes of all Saints Volleyball teams. Men’s (vs. Ediburgh II), women’s 2nd (vs. RGU) and women’s 1st (vs. Glasgow) emerged victorious in their home games defeating their respective opponents 3:1.

Men’s

After a disappointing loss to Dundee on Raisin Sunday, the men’s team worked hard in preparation for their next game against the University of Edinburgh II. With the return of a starting middle, Dorian Stone, the team looked optimistic.

In the first set the Saints came out on top, winning 25-19. The momentum continued on to the second set with great passes, sets and admirable hits, shout outs to King, Flavio and Tobi respectively. The second set was won with the score of 25-15. This allowed new players such as Zi Lau, Floris Laporte and Alam Zia to hit the court. Unfortunately the third set was a close loss of 21-25. In the fourth and final set, the Saints came back winning 25-20. The Saints emerged victorious 3-1.

The next game is away at Glasgow University on November 2nd. The team is excited and looking forward to their upcoming match.

Women’s 1st

Following a crushing 0-3 defeat against Durham, last year’s BUCS Volleyball Champions, on Sunday 26th October, the Saints prepared themselves for their first Premier League home game of the season versus Glasgow University this Wednesday 29th October. The match was especially significant as the Saints were hoping to redeem themselves after being beaten by Glasgow on home turf last year in a close 2-3 game. The match turned out to be an extremely close one again, with both teams working hard throughout each set, but the Saints eventually secured the win at 3-1.

The first set saw a slow start for the Saints who fell behind by 5 points. Emma Fox helped change this with a great serving rally that brought the team head to head with their opponent at 13-13. From there on, the game was extremely close with Glasgow and St Andrews switching lead at practically every point. However, in the end, the Saints were able to clinch the set, winning 25-22.

The second set started in an opposite fashion from the first with the Saints taking an early lead. However, this didn’t last long and the Saints fell prey to their own unforced errors including missed serves or serves that went straight to the other team’s libero. While the Saints still fought hard throughout the set, they were unable to complete their plays, losing the set 20-25.

The third set saw the Saints ready for a comeback and was once again a close contest between the two teams, with lead switching every few points. The Saints began completing their plays and hitting Glasgow’s open spots, with Sydney Maxwell and Danila Gasperini leading the way with some great attacks. Besides that, the Saints also began to understand their opponents a bit better, reading what Glasgow was going to send over and reacting much quicker, including a great up by Hannah Berwian when Glasgow sent the ball to the far corner, instead of a short tip. It was still a close set until the very end, but the Saints managed to win it 25-23.

The fourth set saw the Saints motivated and playing strong. The Saints were hitting Glasgow’s weak spots and fighting hard through every rally, with great hustle and energy from their setter Alexandra Smith. Serve receives from the players, including libero and captain Jeannette Viens, were also on point in this set, allowing hitters such as Kirby Mateja to pummel the ball at their opponents. This set truly showed the Saints as the better team as they showcased their strengths and smarts, winning the set 25-18.

The Saints are now 1-1 and ranked 3rd in the Premier League North standings. Their next game is this Sunday 2nd November away against Northumbria University.