THE wait is finally over for Warrnambool volleyballer Tristan Gibbs.
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The 18-year-old tried out and successfully secured a spot in a Phantoms Volleyball Club side but missed out on playing his first game last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Fast-forward a year and Gibbs will finally make his debut for the Victorian Volleyball League club in his home tournament - the Warrnambool Seaside Volleyball Tournament.
"This will be first tournament and first game with the club," he said.
"I went to try outs and made the side and then nothing happened last year."
Gibbs, who will be playing as a setter in the club's division two side, said the build up didn't feel any different compared to what it would be if he was playing for South West Pirates.
"It's the same tournament, the same game and I still enjoy it but I'm just playing with a bunch of different guys this time. I'm hoping to have a lot of fun," he said.
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"The Phantoms treat it as a lead up to state league and I'll be playing with them in that.
"It will be good to gel into the team and get to know everyone else and have a bit of fun."
The Deakin University health sciences student said the tournament would help him get ready for his first Victorian Volleyball League season, which starts on April 10 in Ballarat.
Gibbs has also been playing in the South West Pirates' domestic competition and kept his skills up in multiple coronavirus lockdowns last year playing with his family at home.
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Four men's and three women's divisions will play at the 47th edition of Warrnambool Volleyball Association's popular three-day tournament.
Reigning men's and women's honours champions Melbourne University Renegades are returning to defend their titles.
Seven teams will contest the men's honours title while six will vie for the women's.
South West Pirates is not fielding any teams in its home tournament while club member Gabby Lougheed is also playing for the Phantoms (women's top grade) like Gibbs.
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