PMVC Vipers Vs Taunton Stealth

A well balanced game saw an experienced side with Taunton against the youthful exuberance of PMVC Skills Group Drakes.

Drakes started strongly and took an early lead but an injury to their setter (Burns) saw a turn in the tide. A timeout was called with Stealth 13-10 up and Drakes decided to stay as they were and to try and compensate for the injury. Trailing until the last, PMVC managed to take the lead in time to win the set 25-23. 

Set 2 saw Taunton assert themselves with some crafty play picking out the corners and their setters had good options. This levelled the match at 1 set all as they won 17-25.

In the 3rd, Drakes were rampant with Melville-Brown, Allen-Gdanitz and Tapson taking it in turns to dominate the attack. The final rally of the set saw fantastic play from both sides as PMVC won 25-18.

The 4th set was edgy throughout as both side were neck and neck. Again Taunton took the lead 20-17 so coach Potter called a timeout to settle the nerves. Brentnall showed great poise in her attacking and blocking through the middle and Burns was on fire with her serving and saw Drakes come back again to seal the set and the match 25-23.

In the final set, Stealth built a healthy lead of 7-1 and just as PMVC were getting back into the set, Potter accidentally collided with Burns in defence which meant she couldn't continue the game. With Libero Stanesby (who had defended so well throughout the game) PMVC were able to fill the gap for the injured setter but PMVC were unable to pull off another comeback as Taunton won the consolation set 15-10.

Drakes 3-2 win was well deserved as the team showed great spirit epitomised by MVP Burns who played through injury to score many points off serve as well as some good defending and setting despite being immobilised. Tauntons MVP was Lipscombe who was versatile as setter hitter and scored many points off service. 

Overall it was a fantastic advert for volleyball and the EDVA league. Well done to all.