Playvolley General Membrane crowned their season by winning the women’s Division One league for the second year running. This they did after turning their fortunes around in the second part of the campaign, winning eight games in a row.

In the first phase, Playvolley’s hopes of qualifying for the Super League were shattered by defeats to Mġarr and Sliema Wanderers but they raised their game thereafter with their improvement reaching a climax in the crucial match against the Wanderers.

Sliema went into the decisive game three points behind their opponents. They were first to settle down, taking the first set 25-18. Playvolley equalised in the second but Sliema were not demoralised and continued to give their all.

So, it was no surprise that the Wanderers went 2-1 up after taking the third 25-22.

It was now do-or-die for Playvolley and after tightening up their defence they claimed the fourth set.

The fifth set could have gone either way but Playvolley managed to wrap things up after two hours and 38 minutes of intense play.

Experienced coach Alan Gauci built his team around the ‘diagonal’ made up of experienced setter Celaine Muscat and captain Whitney Mintoff, with the latter proving to be a constant point grabber when the ball flew her way.

Middle blockers Claudia Buhagiar and Yana Cutajar proved their worth both in the blocking phase as well as when attacking, whilst outside hitters Christabel Nageh, Marquita Magri and seasoned Italian Ilaria Polato posed a constant threat to opponents in the league.

Libero Anna Herrera also contributed hugely to this success while Sheryl Cini, Ingrid Cristiano and Josette Zerafa were always ready to support their team-mates whenever they were called into action.

Newcomers Sliema Wanderers, under the guidance of experienced coach Charles Gauci, pushed the champions all the way but their two defeats against Playvolley proved fatal for their championship hopes.

On the other hand, Swieqi Phoenix’s young players found the going tough in the top flight, but they had the satisfaction of beating Sliema Wanderers in the first round of matches.

Marvic Micallef’s Mġarr, as well as Stefan Decelis’s Birkirkara, had a roller-coaster season.

They both showed signs of im-provement during the course of the season but need to strengthen their squads to be serious contenders in future.