TSW brought back to earth
AFTER having won the first two matches of the regular National League volleyball season, Team South Wales had to deal with two losses at the weekend.
Against Darkstar Derbyshire on Saturday, coach Manuel Santos started with Mara Mata, Aggie Kozlovska, Marinka van Bergen, Julia Constantinou, Daniella Webb-Porto, Diana Beljaars and libero Aspasia Karyofylli.
The defensive play of the Welsh squad was on point, which allowed the setter to present her attackers without a stable block. The hard work paid off, and the first two sets were won 25-20 and 25-18.
Responding to the strong Welsh play, Derbyshire brought their captain on court. Shifting the game with newfound confidence, the attacks on TSW became faster. Unable to adapt, the third and forth sets were lost with a stunning 25-5 and 25-14.
Changing the line-up to include Elisa Ionascu and new players Judit Maynou and Maria Villalba helped to bring new energy to TSW.
The fifth set turned out the be a great battle, and the loss by 18-16 therefore extra devastating for the team.
The following day, Team South Wales lost 3-1 in sets to the University of Nottingham. The first set, led by setter Freja Foot was convincingly won with 25-22. But, despite difficult services by Julia Constantinou and the strong back court attacks from Daniella Webb-Porto, UoN took the next three sets.
On Saturday, TSW play Herts VC at 2pm at the Sports Hall of the Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cyncoed campus. All are welcome, free entry.