Volleyball
18 June, 2025
Top volleyball teams qualify
Five out of eight semi-finals have been decided, with the first grand finalists in Volleyball Horsham’s summer season qualifying.
In A grade, Phantoms defeated Hellenic Nuggets; C grade saw WLC Titans claim a walkover against Set For Glory; in women’s A Phantoms got home over Lakers; in women’s B Von Steiger Sisters finished over Power Divas; and junior A's Strikers edged out Phantoms.
Tyler Puls and Noah Werry combined well for Phantoms in the A grade second semi-final, while veteran Tim Popple used all of his experience to help steer the ship, especially after Hellenic Nuggets bounced out of the blocks, winning the first set 25-12.
Hellenic Nuggets will face off against Jack Hannan’s Rangers after the Rangers scored a four-set win over Heidelberg in the first semi-final.
Sam Peachey set well for Rangers, consistently finding Hannan when needed, while Jai Sartori-Billman was strong on serve.
In a classic five-setter, Lakers looked all set for a grand final berth after they won the first two sets 25-12, 25-19, but the experience of Kara Johnson and Sophie Quick enabled Phantoms to turn the tables and they stormed home to win the next three sets 25-14, 25- 22, 15-13, coming from 11-13 in the decider.
Lakers will rue their lost opportunity and now face a do-or-die preliminary final against Nuggets, who were all over Tsunami in the first semi, winning in straight sets.
Tsunami had no answer to the big-hitting Paige Hemley, who relished the move to passhitter, while Clare Whyte set well.
Emily Hannan and Laelah Robertson tried everything to keep Tsunami in the game, to no avail.
In women’s B, Von Steiger Sisters upset the young Power Divas in straight sets to move into their first grand final.
Von Steiger Sisters served their way to victory, consistently sending their serves deep, putting pressure on the Power Divas' receivers.
Venjie Munn and Lyn Aneban were the best for Von Steiger Sisters, while Eden Pumpa and Calistar Hamurah tried hard for the Power Divas.
Power Divas will now square off against Bombers in the preliminary final after the Bombers had to fight all the way to beat the Magnificent Medicos in the first semi-final.
Chloe Mackley and Ava Jackson were the best for Bombers, while Rej Smith and Lunn McKenzie were consistent for Magnificent Medicos.
Late notice
In a pleasant surprise, Volleyball Victoria notified Volleyball Horsham that James Johns was voted as the best libero in men’s division three at the Victorian Volleyball Country Championships.
This award backs up the MVP award that Johns received at the junior country cChampionships last year, underlying the gradual improvement the youngster has made in his game.
Call for coaches
Volleyball Horsham is calling for coaches for junior teams competing in the upcoming Victorian Volleyball Junior Country Championships to be held in Horsham on AFL grand final weekend.
The association is looking to enter teams into under 19, 17 and 15 boys’ and girls’ divisions.
The association successfully hosted the event last year and is looking at doubling the numbers for this year’s event in a positive sign for the growth of junior volleyball in the state.
Volleyball Horsham will also look to institute a referee’s panel at the event, made up of local accredited referees, in a show of support to those who have worked towards achieving their accreditation.
Coaches and referees interested in participating in the junior country championships are asked to send their expressions of interest to info@volleyballhorsham.com.au by July 4.
