The Men’s Essex Volleyball team travelled to Kent for the first of three tournaments. It was to be a mixed day; achieving two clear cut victories and narrowly losing the third game to Kent University in a three set thriller.
The team’s first game was against a lack-lustre University College London (UCL) team who had no answers to Essex’s barrage of attacks, orchestrated by Philipp Ofstendorff and match captain Ibby Mehmet. Ostendorff was in particularly good form smashing away countless hits through the middle of the court. Consistent serving from Wesley Anderson ensured this first game was wrapped up within an hour, winning 25-14, 25-13.
Imperial college proved to be made of tougher stuff in the second game, but Essex pushed through some nervous moments to secure the second victory of the day. Essex had the edge from the start of the first set winning 25-19 through consistent attacks and notably good setting from Weng Chong who should be please with his day at the office. The second set demonstrated the strength of this Essex side because despite being 20-22 down, excellent defending and serves from Chong allowed Essex to boomerang to a 25-22 victory.
With the first two matches being a breeze for this Essex side now oozing confidence and flair, Kent University demonstrated where they need to improve to reach the play offs this year. In a match with many twists and turns this was one for the volleyball purists. Kent got off to a flying start taking a 6-1 lead and looked in control before ‘Libero’ Ignazio Puzzo sent a mature pass for Chong to set to Ofstendorff who retook control with several trademark smashes. Nerves appeared to creep in however and several unforced errors allowed Kent to reach a convincing 25-18 first set victory.
Essex needed to improve and the second set again demonstrated Essex’s strength in depth. Bruising hits from Eriz Tolay, Simone Giansante and Manuel Wiegand allowed Essex to match Kent point for point, until reaching 22-22 where Essex’s spirit prevailed to win the second set 25-22.
The third set was tough and despite several times pushing to keep up with the talent of Kent who were now neutralising every Essex attack, there was to be one winner. Kent pushed to a 15-8 victory winning the match 2-1, the closest match of the day.
Men’s Essex Volleyball team will be pleased to have gotten the year started with promising results in their first tournament together and will take the spirit gained in the Kent to the second tournament in Reading on the 16th November. This team can keep improving and can make the play offs next year.
Captains Corner (Ibby Mehmet)
Very promising starts to a confident Essex team, the ‘rookies’ of this year have not only gained access to the first team, but have had the other teams anxious before our games.
Team spirit is building as are our points in the league; national finals will be on the agenda again this year…
A massive thank you to our inspiration game day coach Mehmet Toycan, who motivated us to hold as a united unit.
Man of the Match – Phillip Ofstendorff. Continuous punishment to any team who dare stand on court.