Showing plenty of NRG: One of their players attempts to keep the ball alive against Savills. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0653723)

ONLY one of the week’s three women’s league encounters went beyond the third set. While Savills 1 and ASL 1 were storming through in straight sets, Gestetner, without Kat Gillespie, were taken to four by ASL 2.

Initially, ASL2 displayed some  excellent court coverage, forcing Gestetner to think about their attacks. But Jo Turville stepped up to serve at 8-5 and, backed up with strong blocking by teammates, pulled Gestetner to 12-5, and ultimately to win the first set.

Although ASL 2 played some good attacking volleyball at the start of the second, the attacking of Gestetner meant that they were always behind and unable to catch up.

In the third, Gestetner decided to mix their attacks up with fast and short balls to the middle. ASL handled the transition extremely well and unnerved Gestetner, who began playing scrappy volleyball. Credit goes to ASL’s player/coach Martel and setter Laurie Slimm, who pounced on every opportunity and ASL took the third.

The fourth set saw Gestetner get back to basics and great defensive play saw them settle down to win the match 3-1.