Defining round

Results against Monash in Bendigo on Saturday could clearly define Phantoms’ premier-league volleyball fortunes for season 2019, even at this early stage.

Both teams go into the double header round with a two-win, two-loss record on the season and while Monash has proven to be a formidable force over the years, it has dropped off the pace in 2019, especially in the men’s competition.

It means this year could well be the first time Phantoms premier teams can secure a win.

Both teams also used their bye weekend to attend a three-hour training session, where they were able to work on their games in readiness for Monash.

Volleyball Horsham premier women’s setter Kara Johnson was more than happy with the training.

“It was a really positive session and, especially from my perspective, being able to spend time with my hitters was valuable,” she said.

“To get that solid session before the Monash round hopefully will stand us in good stead.”

The premier women’s team will be strengthened by the return of USA scholarship holder, Sunraysia’s Brooke Freckleton.

Captain Georgie Hassell from Ballarat said the 195-centimetre Freckleton had been playing consistently for her college in America and the team was eagerly awaiting her return.

Volleyball Horsham’s Matthew Berry, the Phantoms’ number-one setter, said the premier men were pulling out all stops to ensure they were at their best against Monash.

“We’re under no illusions that these two games are our best chance ever to beat Monash, so we have organised with Bendigo Stadium full access to the athlete services to aid preparation and recovery as well as our meals before and after games,” he said. “We’re pulling out all stops.” In other games the reserves men, who are undefeated after four games and sitting third on the ladder, have two massive matches against Monash, which is just above them in second place.

“Our team is starting to gel nicely and we’re looking forward to measuring ourselves against the competition’s best team, that has been the benchmark team over the past 10 years,” Volleyball Horsham’s Nathan Berry said.

Tim Popple’s division-two men are sitting third and play both Monash teams, which are sitting first and second on the ladder.

“I’d be happy to split our results on Saturday but my team is playing well and we’ll give it a good crack,” the veteran coach said.

The reserves girls’ team will be strengthened by the return of Australian representatives Warrnambool’s Gabby Lougheed and Sunraysia’s Zoe Smith.

Volleyball Horsham’s Tamikah Dockrill can’t wait to line up beside the two young stars.

“They are both awesome players and will be determined to play well and get our season back on track,” she said.

Division two and three girls’ teams are coming off character-building wins and will go into Saturday’s games full of confidence.