No surprises as top teams maintain charge

There were no major surprises in the programme of national league matches played last weekend at the Cottonera Sports Complex as the top teams won as anticipated.

In the women's league, Flyers were no match for unbeaten leaders Paola Hibs Candy as Playvolley Blues won in straight sets against Playvolley Red.

In the men's league, Marsascala Mapei maintained their perfect record with a seventh successive victory, this time beating Aloysians 3-1.

Mapei, without regulars Ron Stivala and libero Vince Pace, won the first set with Paul Vella contributing with a number of perfect spikes.

Aloysians won a close second set mainly through attacks by Christian Pecorella. But they were unable to maintain their charge as Mark Hili's Mapei regrouped to win the next two sets for a deserved three points.

Flyers looked more adventurous as their match against Hibs got underway.

However after the first time out, the champions stepped up their game and easily won the points following sets scores of 25-12, 25-12 and 25-14.

In the other women's league match, Playvolley Red kept up the pace with the more experienced Blues who eventually went 1-0 up after a favourable 26-24 score.

The Blues settled down nicely for the rest of the match with Nadia Lanzon, from outside, and Yana Vella, from the centre, doing a good job for the team. The Blues won 25-20 and 25-8.

After the third round, the top three teams will play in the Championship Pool with points carried forward and halved.

Standings

Men's league: Marsascala Mapei 21; Fleur de Lys FEB 15; Aloysians 12; Marsascala Blues 9.

Women's league: Paola Hibs Candy 30; Flyers 18; X-Sel 17; Playvolley Blues 16; Playvolley Red 8.