Paola Hibs net championship to complete clean sweep

In yet another five-set thriller, Paola Hibs saw off Depiro Flyers’ bold challenge to win the deciding match and the title for the eighth successive year. In doing so, Paola have once again completed a clean sweep of honours after securing the league, knock-out and super cup.

As in previous encounters between these two teams this season, Depiro Flyers began the match in aggressive fashion but once Paola started to put more pressure on their opponents through some good serving and well-placed attacks, the first set swung in the champions’ favour.

In the second, Flyers managed to jolt Paola with their service. As receivers found it difficult to pass the ball to the setter, Paola were unable to mount their customary strong attacks. Depiro took full advantage of their opponents’ struggles to level the game.

Paola regrouped in the third set. They improved their defence and service reception to produce good attacks to which Flyers had no reply. Paola quickly took the set to go 2-1 up.

The fourth set was balanced as the two teams stayed close to each other. However, Flyers showed a never-say-die attitude to pull clear of Paola Hibs.

In the deciding set, Paola showed great focus to keep the initiative throughout.

Their experienced spikers, served by young setter Roxette Caruana, never gave Flyers a chance to hit back as Paola easily won the set to confirm themselves as the top team in women’s volleyball in Malta.