It’s still early days in the season, but the Women’s first team were on fire in their second away game at Nottingham. After a close defeat to East Anglia, the girls were hungry for their first victory away following impressive victories against Loughborough and Aston. With a small squad of 7, and with no coach in attendance, it was clear that they would have to stay focused throughout in order to clinch it. Luckily, the super 7 were able to storm their way to a 3-0 victory in just over an hour.
Straight sets victory for UoB!
How did they achieve this you may ask? With an excellent line-up of golden oldies and fresh faces, combined with our outstanding coach of the day, Oli, who stepped in at short notice to provide valuable advice along the way.
Ready in defence
Nimble Nicole Smith was impressive in her debut for the team as libero, having usually played as opposite, getting her hands on most of the tricky attacks and taking one for the team in the shape of a sore eye when she had a collision with another player while scrambling for a ball – what a fighter! Agile Agata Stefanowicz the outsider also played some fantastic digs straight to our setter and her serves, often soaring low over the net, proved difficult for the opposition to receive. Her tenacity was clear to see, as she lunged and dived for every ball.
Sensational Suna Yokes came into her own this game, serving with variety and consistency, at one time 7 times in a row, showing considerable improvement from previous matches, combined with some solid blocks and spikes as middle against the Nottingham offensive. Blazing Bettina Ra, also a middle, was once again on top form, unleashing her inner prowess whenever the ball landed in reach of her at the net. She also had a couple of incredible stuff blocks, sending the ball straight to the ground of the opponent’s court, which wiped the smiles off the faces of the Nottingham attackers.
Consistent serving
Fierce Flavia Irti was formidable as opposite throughout the match, serving and spiking with a power that not one of the Nottingham girls had an answer to. Nelson was even caught on camera being utterly hypnotised by her service motion! Jumping Janelle Yee was just as exceptional as outside, unleashing hit after hit at every angle as well as passing in some great balls, making it effortless for the setter to set up an offensive. She also served some unbelievable aces, leaving the opposition speechless!
Team talk at half time
Last but not least, the glue holding our team together, our setter Hotshot Harriet Roberts. Always vocal on court, she was able to fire up the whole team throughout, keeping the team focused and on the ball. Her setting distribution was once again spot on, but what was even better was her ability to adapt to any situation in order to rescue the point.
A massive thank you to Oli Hoelzinger for stepping in to coach us through the match #OliForPresident. To “Tight hands” Tom Tumukunde who proved to be an exceptionally good amateur photographer, capturing some priceless facial expressions on camera. Also to our little group of cheerleaders, headed up by James Labram. And how can we forget Joy….there are no words or nicknames that can adequately sum up just how entertaining Joy’s raucous laugh was! Seemingly unprovoked, he can set off a cackle to rival a bunch of witches on Halloween. We look forward to his laughter continuing to light up the room, both at home and away. As for the women’s team? Onwards and upwards towards our next game, where we will take on Derby. Bring it!
Team huddle after securing the win
In the 2014/2015 season, The University of Birmingham Women’s 1sts finished 2nd in the BUCS Midlands League and made it to the Quarterfinals in the BUCS Trophy competition. Full results and scores available on the BUCS official website.
2014/15 BUCS regional results
Suna Yokes BLOGS 