Volleyballers head to Warrnambool

Volleyball Horsham members will be out in force at the weekend at the 43rd annual Warrnambool Seaside Tournament.

The tournament is the starting point for the competition season, with teams using the event as a stepping stone towards the start of State League in two weeks’ time.

Volleyball Horsham members will be spread over seven different teams ranging from men’s and women’s honors through to division one, two and three teams.

Phantoms Volleyball Club will have five teams playing, while boys and girls from the Volleyball Horsham Academy program will get their first taste of senior volleyball.

All of our members have put in a thorough preparation over the past six weeks and we will be looking for all teams to perform consistently.

In the case of the academy players, expectations aren’t high as the youngsters will be playing against a lot of seasoned campaigners in division three.

As long as they put into practice what they have learnt and enjoy the experience, that is all we ask. In the case of Phantoms teams, both the honors men’s and women’s teams will go in close to full strength.

The men welcome back key setter, Horsham’s Matthew Berry, after a few years off at this level, while Bendigo’s Jimmy Shelton will be looking to cement a place in the starting six.

Coach Damon Minotti will look to see how his players can adapt to playing in a variety of positions, so as not to be too predictable to opposition teams.

The women will be playing in the top division for the first time, with games against two teams from Tasmania, two from Adelaide and Cobras and Yarra from Melbourne.

This will be a good test for our girls as they prepare for a state league season where they will be out to make finals as a minimum with the quality of player that we have picked up.

Anyone interested in playing volleyball in Horsham district in any grade can contact 0487 824 599 or email info@volleyballhorsham.com.au.