Pirates dig deep at tournament

WARRNAMBOOL’S South West Pirates volleyballers have shown great skill on the court during the annual Seaside tournament last weekend.

The division one men’s side, coached by Craig Gibbs, celebrated a successful tournament, reaching the semi-final round.

“This was another great Seaside tournament for us,” Gibbs said.

“This weekend saw us bring two players into the team for their first Seaside tournament in division one, which saw us with a stronger and more balanced side than in previous years.”

The team got off to a great start, winning two of its first three games and narrowly losing the third.

This brought confidence to the team and ensured it headed into Sunday with their “sails full of wind.”

“We went on to win our two pool games on Sunday, finishing in second place within the pool and equal points with top – just seven per cent away from the top spot,” Gibbs said.

“Our first final was a really hard-fought game but we came out with a win.”

Unfortunately for the Pirates, a couple of late games and early starts over the weekend resulted in some tired players.

“Our semi-final game early on Monday morning saw us just fall short to the eventual winner of our division,” Gibbs said.

“All in all it was a great weekend; everyone played their role to perfection, we won as a team and we lost as a team. Onwards and upwards for future tournaments to come.”

The Pirates’ division three men’s side was coached by Isaac Hussey.

This side was keen to prove themselves over the weekend, with a mixture of youth and experience.

Saturday saw a shaky start for the Pirates, losing their first two matches in close games.

The final game on Saturday was the team’s first win – defeating the Wallabies.

“Down by nine points in the first set, the boys brought it back and took the fist set comfortably,” Hussey said.

“They kept the momentum and won the second set, getting our first win of the tournament.

“On Sunday the boys put on a show, they found their rotation worked well and were in winning form.

“They played some champagne volleyball; monster blocks, dime passes and massive kills, which led to three wins.”

Unfortunately the team missed the semi-finals by one set.

“It was not how we wanted the weekend to end but they should all be so proud of the performances they put in across the weekend.

“A big thanks to all family and friends who came along to cheer our players across the weekend; it was amazing to hear it on the court and sidelines.”

One highlight for the division three side was the awarding of the men’s division three MVP award to James Fowler.

For the club’s division two women’s side, coached by Le’Arna Beare, the weekend was all about having fun and learning.

“For several of us it was our first ever tournament and it was our first time playing together as a team,” Beare said.

“We didn’t win any games over the weekend but we had lots of fun and I saw so much improvement from everyone, individually, and as a whole.

“Unfortunately we had to play up a division to what we originally planned so we knew it was going to be a tough tournament.”

Beare and her side are hoping to play in division three at the next tournament – allowing them to have some more competitive games and take some sets away from other sides.

“I loved the weekend with these girls and I look forward to seeing where we go in the future.”