Heidelberg players brave heat for historic seaside volleyball carnival threepeat

HEIDELBERG has pulled off a historic third consecutive women’s title at the Warrnambool Seaside Volleyball Tournament.

It’s the first time a team has won three consecutive titles in the tournament’s 39-year history.

In sweltering conditions at the Arc, Heidelberg overcame a persistent Yarra Ranges yesterday to claim a 23-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-17 victory.

The win further reinforces the club’s powerhouse status, with both the men’s and women’s top grade teams featuring prominently on the tournament’s honour roll.

Captain Jo Young said after losing the first set, her players regrouped and worked on their passing to ensure their path to victory was clear.

“Our passing really let us down in the first set,” Young said.

“We didn’t let that worry us, we knew we had five sets. We didn’t let dropping one stress us out and we knew what we had to do.

“We got that under control in the second and once we did that the rest just came naturally.

“Our main aim was to keep our passing and serving consistent, while shutting down the Ranges best player.”

Heidelberg went through the tournament in winning form, only dropping one game against the Cobras.

Young said the mix of youth and experience in the Heidelberg outfit had paid dividends.

“The majority of the girls in the side have been part of the winning team in past years, but we also had a few new girls in as well,” she said.

“That mixture gave us a good mix of players on the court. They are a great bunch of girls and I’m thrilled with the way they played this weekend.”

Young said the event was a credit to organisers.

“It’s always a great weekend. Its my favourite tournament and I’m already looking forward to coming back next year,” she said.