It was a busy day for PMVC with our SW Mens and Ladies squads travelling to the furthest stretches of the region and Skills Group Drakes at home.

 PMVC Ladies travelled to Cathedral School, Cardiff, to take on two teams who have started the season strongly, Cardiff Falcons and unbeaten Yeovil Ladies.

In the absence of their coach, Steve Allen, Captain, Kate Wilkins coordinated the team which was a blend of youth and experience with 3 players making their debut in PMVC colours -Sarah Salt, Lucy Curtis, and Maddalena Van Cumer. Completing the side were Katrina Kozuleva and  Juniors Victoria Wilkins, Chelsea Mitchell and Meg Leeds. 

The Ladies first game was against Cardiff and in the first set all the debutants started on court and made an immediate impact with Junior Victoria Wilkins continued to establish herself as a starting 6 player as the teams main setter. As they built a lead, Mitchell and Leeds came off the bench and joined in with some powerful and concise hitting taking the first set 25-14. In the second set, PMVC continued their dominance with Kozuleva’s attacking Curtis’ defence. The 3rd set was more competitive as Plymouth rotated their full squad and their attack was too much for the Falcons. Final set scores were 3-0 (25-14, 25-14, 25-18) with Kozuleva picking up the MVP on her return to the squad.

The game against Yeovil was more challenging as they were the in form team so far this season. PMVC opted for the same line-up as in their first game as Yeovil took an early lead by picking out holes in Plymouth’s defence. After a quick tactical timeout by Capt Kate Wilkins, our Ladies turned the match around, by filling the gaps and punishing Yeovil with their powerful attacking display. In the second set Yeovil still didn’t have an answer to PMVC’s attack. However, Sarah Salt picked up a leg injury which caused PMVC to adapt their lineup with Van Cumer moving into the middle and Leeds coming from the bench to attack through 4. PMVC rallied to win the second set with Capt Wilkins and Curtis snuffing out Yeovils attack with some fine blocking. In the 3rd, PMVC dominated through their service game and Yeovil’s unbeaten streak was over at the hands of the defending league champions. Final set scores were 3-0 (25-21, 25-13, 25-21) with Van Cumer getting an MVP nomination on her debut for her versatility on court and dominant hitting.  

Kate Wilkins was impressed with the teams resolve. “With so many changes from last year’s team, it’s great to see us knuckle down and still dominate teams. Despite our loss to Beach Academy last month, I think our team may even be stronger than last season. We’re all excited for our next game on 16th November. The only misfortune was Sarah picking up an injury in her return to volleyball after 3 years”. Well done to the Ladies and we all wish Sarah Salt a speedy recovery and we hope to see you back on court soon!

PMVC Men had to travel to Oxleys SC in Sherbourne for their matches against Yeovil and Exeter Storm. With this being PMVC Men’s first competitive games of the season, they were struggling to find enough players due to injury or work commitments. Head Coach Steve Allen was forced to let the Ladies fend for themselves in Cardiff whilst he took to the court whilst also rustling up some other veterans of the game (Alan Lemin, Alun “Taff” Griffiths and Andy Curno). Completing the squad were Rob Young, Nick Boorman and Steffan Shageer.

Their first match was against Yeovil who were fielding a strong team. However the wily Plymouth side were very competitive throughout and each set was very closely contested. The Yeovil won sets 1 and 2 but Shageer hit his stride in attack picking up his first MVP nomination of the season as PMVC clawed back the 3rd. The 4th set was still close but Yeovil ran out eventual winners 3-1 (25-23, 26-24, 22-25, 25-21).

In the second game, Plymouth faced a youthful Exeter Storm side with two ex PMVC Juniors Kyle Mitchell and Luis Stansbury. PMVC eked out the first set 25-23 and Storm levelled up the second 21-25. Plymouth then regained the advantage with some dominance in the 3rd set 25-18. With only 1 set need to win, PMVC’s old legs tired in the 4th set as Exeter took it to deciding set 13-25. With one last push needed PMVC fell at the final hurdle as Exter Storm made their comeback winning the 5th 12-15 and the game 3 sets to 2.

In what was a fantastic day of volleyball for the men against the two tops teams in the league so far. The veterans had a good run out in preparation for the SW Vets event on 9th November and it highlighted how close the SW Men’s league is again this year, with both games that could so easily have been in PMVC’s favour.

Finally, PMVC Skills Group Drakes were at the home of Plymouth Volleyball at Plymstock School for a 4pm EDVA Division 2 rematch against League Leaders Taunton Panthers.

Captain Dan Tapson was determined to improve on their last meeting where Taunton won 5-0 and despite the 2 main setters being called up to the SW squads, they called on Veteran Andrew “Po” Potter and rising star Lara Sowden to set for his squad of 8. Drake regulars, Luke Allen Gdanitz, Kyle White, Clare Crowther and Dil Teli were joined by debutant Ben Brilot.

This was a competitive match overall but Taunton's talisman, Jurek Jankowski made the difference again with precision serving in the first set and some quite spectacular play at the net. The second set saw some really long enthralling rallies and Drakes improved from the first set scoreline with Luke Allen Gdanitz having some pinpoint hits through the outside and Ben Brilot prowling the back line.

In the 3rd set Dil Teli came on to have an impact that deceived the opposition and with Capt. Tapson moving into the middle, PMVC put the pressure on the unbeaten Taunton side and won a set back. In the 4th, it was close again with Claire Crowther growing in confidence and spiking some kills through the outside. However, Tauntons young but extremely well drilled side picked up the points where they needed to and took the decisive set.

Potter took a seat in the final set but PMVC were unable to take the consolation as Taunton wrapped up the set quickly and Drakes lost the game 4-1 (13-25 19-25 25-19 19-25 5-15) with Lara Sowden ppicking up MVP in only her 3rd competitive game for PMVC with some brilliant setting and defensive play.

Captain Tapson was happy with his team. “The scoreline reads a lot better than last time around and my target was to improve and we did that. Taunton are a really good side both in attack and defence and I was impressed with how well their juniors played. The last set was a bit disappointing because we could have fought harder but it was over in a flash. However, everyone seemed to enjoy the game we’ve got a few weeks until we play again so we can work hard in training to get back in the win column”.

Well done for everyone’s efforts on the court this weekend and a special thank you to our volunteers and officials off the court who allow us to play the game we love. 

Next weekend 9th November, will see our Mixed Veterans team play in the SW Veterans Tournament at Riverside LC, Exeter and PMVC Pirates return to Exeter Prison to deliver more justice on the Birdmen in EDVA Division 1. Go PMVC!