Toyota Playvolley – Paola Hibs 3-0 25-23;25-13;25-14

Even though Playvolley were missing a number of players, Playvolley managed to beat last year’s champions 3-0. This year, Paola are missing a good number of their experienced players and the team being fielded is still quite young and therefore could not be considered favourites to win the match. Paola managed to challenge Playvolley only in the first set since their players’ experience seemed to allow them to improve their rhythm and be more efficient in their attacks as they improved their receptions and defense in the second and third set.

Although Paola showed some grit in their defense and even though Maria Gatt was able to block some of Playvolley’s attacks, they lacked continuity and Playvolley’s good teamwork and attacks allowed them to close the game in their favour in 3 sets.

FDL Office Group – Flyers 3-0 25-18;25-18;25-20

In the weekend’s top game, between the Super League contenders, FDL managed to overcome Flyers’ challenge. The game was very balanced even though the result seems to indicate otherwise. After losing the first set, the second set was very important for  Flyers and they established a good start by taking a healthy 5-0 lead. However, FDL gradually improved their attacks after improving their reception. This improvement in their reception allowed the FDL setter, Sarah El Gasi, to vary their attacks in the second half of the set and this allowed FDL turned overtake Flyers and close the set in their favour. The third set was similar to the second set and in fact Flyers took an early lead. However, FDL improved their services causing problems to Flyers as they were not able to put up a good first ball and this affected their attack. FDL showed more determination and good techniques and deserved their win.