Balzan Flyers Crosscraft overcame Fleur de Lys Twistees to secure two points that saw them leapfrog Paola at the top of the ladies’ Super League ahead of their direct clash this weekend.
In the men’s championship, Valletta Mapei beat Fleur de Lys to claim their eighth win of the season and consolidate top spot before the start of the play-offs.
Balzan Flyers produced their best volleyball at the start of their match against FDL, storming to a 20-14 lead midway through the first set.
However, Fleur de Lys Twistees made a comeback by improving their reception and defence but could not stop Balzan winning the first set 25-23.
Balzan Flyers remained on top in the second set with Zane Maly raking up important points for her team.
But, Fleur de Lys had other thoughts, and with Belinda Milton and Catherine Attard combining well with their setters, they overturned the deficit to level matters.
The third set could have gone either way but FDL nudged forward at the end to turn the match in their favour, with youngster Mikaela Galea chalking up some important points for her team.
Fleur de Lys continued playing well with Thais Gatt showing sound defending skills but Balzan Flyers’ attackers upped their game thanks to Dorianne Caruana Bonnici’s sets.
Balzan got back on equal terms after winning the fourth set 25-19.
The decider was a balanced affair initially but once Balzan took a two-point lead, Fleur de Lys were unable to stop them taking the fifth set and the match 3-2 after two hours and 15 minutes.
The other match from the ladies’ Super League saw Balzan Flyers 2 obtain a very important win against Mellieħa. The latter took the first set 25-20 before succumbing to Balzan’s better organisation in the next three sets.
In the men’s league, Valletta Mapei obtained another win, their eighth this season, to stay top of the standings with maximum points.
The first set was an up-and-down affair until Valletta gained two points at the very end to take it 25-23. FDL levelled the match by winning the second, 25-23.
FDL Twistees went 8-7 up at the first technical time out of the third set. However, Ron Stivala’s service run caused havoc in their reception with Valletta turning the score in their favour.
Valletta maintained their momentum in the fourth, deservedly winning the set and game, although Fleur de Lys’ Marek Gala kept his team alive until the very end.
Sliema Wanderers kept their hopes alive in the women’s first division league after a 3-0 win over Swieqi Phoenix.
Linda Margetiakova and Kim Grech’s services brought valuable points for Sliema as Phoenix, who had some of their players playing in different roles, took long to settle.
In the other match from the same category, Birkirkara recorded an important win against Mġarr to overtake them in the standings after every team has played three matches.
Birkirkara were the better side throughout, giving Mġarr no leeway as they cruised to a 3-0 win.