Depiro Flyers produced a major upset when they beat reigning champions Paola Hibs 3-0 in the women’s league last week.

It was a stunning performance by Depiro who wrapped the points in three sets without giving any chance for the erstwhile unbeaten Paolites to launch a fightback.

Depiro started strongly right from the outset, taking a slim lead but Hibs started to step up the game to tie the set at 16-all.

The Paolites looked like they would take control when surging 19-16 ahead. But, the Depiro coach called for a time-out which turned out to be decisive as his girls, inspired by the strong service from Amanda Agius, took a commanding 24-19 lead.

Hibs survived two set points but eventually lost the first set 25-21.

The second set started on an identical note as the first, with Depiro taking an early lead at 11-5.

This time, the Rabat side did well to keep their noses in front to seal the second set 25-21.

With Depiro leading two sets to nil, the pressure was all on reigning champions Paola who surely did not want to succumb without a fight.

But yet again, Depiro started the third set in the same manner as the previous two, and went ahead 13-8.

They maintained the same point difference till 22-18 and seemed capable to secure victory without major problems.

But at this point, Hibs reacted strongly and won six consecutive points to have a set point in their favour at 24-22.

But with the champions so close to re-open the issue, Depiro showed true character and regained their concentration to win four consecutive points to clinch the third and final set 26-24.

For Depiro this was their second ever success over Hibs.

The upset also means that the title race is wide open as Hibs are now sharing the top spot with Fleur-de-Lys on 16 points with Depiro two points behind.

Standings
Paola Hibs Candy, Fleur-de-Lys 16; Flyers Depiro 14; Toyota Playvolley, Flyers (2) 7.

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