Mens Volleyball
Team Newcastle faced a tall order in their matchup against Team Northumbria on 15 February, as the top-ranked team in the country took down Team Newcastle swiftly in three sets. Team Northumbria is atop both the BUCS Premier North Division and the National League, of which a number of players compete professionally in matches across the UK. Even though the home team put up a strong effort in all three sets, Team Northumbria’s high-flying offense was just too much for Team Newcastle.
The first set was full of energy as the rivals traded side-outs for the first handful of points. Once Team Northumbria captured a multi-point lead, though, they did not look back. The score was 12-16 in favour of Northumbria before their front line put together a string of impressive possessions to put the set out of reach.
The visitors used the momentum from the first set to finish the next two sets in similar fashion. In addition Team Newcastle had to play through adversity in the match following an injury to one of their top attacking players, who fell on his shoulder during the match and was unable to return to the match.
Despite the loss, the Team Newcastle Volleyball Club has some positives to take from the game, including the much-anticipated return of standout Nathan Fullerton, who has been injured for the better part of Team Newcastle’s season thus far. In addition the men still have a handful of games left, against Manchester Met University and the University of York, to gain BUCS points and add a few more victories under their belt.
Courtney Strait
Newcastle women’s volleyball team failed to add two crucial points to the University’s Stan Calvert tally on Thursday 15 February at Newcastle’s Sports Centre. Northumbria took home the victory after an impressive three sets built on a solid blocking and impressive serves.
The first moments of the first set proved that Newcastle were ready to fight for the win with impressive counter play to a powerful Northumbria side. A timeout called by Newcastle backfired and gave Northumbria the opportunity to run away with the first set and win 25-17.
Newcastle managed to close an 11 point gap in the second set but impressive play and powerful spikes from Northumbria gave them the win in the second set at 25-21.
Sadly for Newcastle, despite fighting play in the third set, it was Northumrbia’s game to win as they walked away with the victory winning the set 25-10 and the match overall 3-0.
Outstanding serves from both sides through the game made for entertaining and fast paced action and Northumbria’s blocks and defensive style was truly impressive.
The score doesn’t tell the full story of Newcastle’s evening, with impressive play and unlucky moments for the players in navy blue; an incredibly competitive match with moments that the team will be able to take away as a teachable moment.
Northumbria will have left Newcastle Sports Centre with their heads held high but Newcastle’s women will be able to do the same after showcasing the pace, excitement and thrills of their sport on an unlucky night for volleyball at the University.
Harry Parsons