09 Jun 2023
On Friday 26 May the Smith's Hill HS boys volleyball team set off bright and early for the South Coast Championships in Bomaderry, having placed 2nd at the Northern South Coast Volleyball Gala Day two weeks prior.
The day began with our two most arguably intense matches back to back. In our first game, the team was able to hold their own and score 30 points against Ulladulla HS across the two sets, who ranked 17th in the State last year and would go on to be the undefeated champions of the day. The second match against Woonona HS was a nail biter, with a spectacular comeback in the 2nd set, thanks to Lukas B's setting and captain Rubin G's jump serves, ultimately ending with a narrow 15-13 loss in the 3rd set.
The strength of the South Coast teams was particularly apparent in our third match against Bomaderry HS, whose middle blockers' powerful spikes were unlike the tips we had seen at the Northern Illawarra Gala Days. Nevertheless, Euan C managed some beautiful receives and Jed S's blocks and quick reflexes won many battles at the net. Our next game was a friendly, but heated 3-set rematch against Corrimal HS, where Patrick T excelled under pressure and Nick O's float serves turned things around in our favour. Our first victory of the day gave the team the boost in the morale they needed for their final match against Moruya HS, in which Felix C and Sebin P shone as liberos and Euan R's first touches were key in setting up some spectacular plays.
While the team won't be heading to State this year, their dedication, perseverance and hours of training haven't gone unnoticed.
Well done to all our players for their spectacular efforts and bring on 2024!
Lukas Burri, Euan Christopher, Felix Cohen, Rubin Galagher, Nicholas Olmos, Sebin Park, Euan Riedy, Jed Stuart, Patrick Then.
Amy Kang
Languge Teacher