Women's NVL Firsts Vs. Dulwich Tuskers
Saturday 5th December 2009
Birmingham played at home against London based side, Dulwich Tuskers. The match was important for both sides as they looked to secure a place in the Super 8 league next season.
Birmingham started with Gosia Kowalska setting, Kaisa Kirikal opposite, Anett Dude and Emilie Trinchero in the middle, Sandra Haubold and Vicki Wilson outside hitters, and Natalia Wojtczak completing the team as a libero.
The beginning of the first set saw a balance between the two teams, with Birmingham making 3 errors on service resulting in them having to keep playing sideout. In the second half of the set Birmingham took the lead scoring 8 points in a row with Vicki Wilson serving. The whole transition game worked well with the students playing hard on defence. Kaisa Kirikal caused problems to the opponent reception as well, and Birmingham went on to win the set 25:10.
In the second set Birmingham took the lead immediately with Anett Dude keeping the service and Natalia Wojtczak securing good pass on backcourt, the Uni team took their lead to a commanding 12:3 lead. However at this stage, the students relaxed and the game became balanced again. At the end of the set Dulwich made a few errors on reception because of some good serves from Gosia Kowalska, and Birmingham closed out the set 25:9.
In the third set Silva Baumann substituted Kaisa Kirikal in the opposite position. As in the first set the teams played point by point with some good attacks. When Sandra Haubold went to serve Birmingham were able to win a few breaks with some good blocks from Emilie Trinchero: the students were able to increase their advantage to 22:16. A final error on service from Dulwich closed the set at 25:16.
Birmingham could therefore win their third match and secure a better position on the table.
A big thank you goes to Jon McGugan who took the team photo and a lot of other photos during the match. You can look at them on his web sites:
Match Facts
Competition: National League Division 1.
Played: Home.
Result: Won 3-0.
Set Scores: 25-10, 25-9, 25-16.