The first matches of the new season were played last weekend at Corradino. There were little if no surprises but the prospects still look bright. So far, all teams in action presented 10 or 12 players in their line-ups. Certainly, a positive sign for the local game, auguring a season of healthy competition.
Division One men
The more experienced Fleur-de-Lys FEB overcame Aloysians, who fielded a young but talented line-up, with a net score of 3-0.
The spirited Aloysians tried hard to contain FEB's attacks in the first two sets but threw in the towel in the final set.
In another match Kerygma Savemart Supermarket had a poor start against Pembroke but picked up their rhythm in the second set when they got used to a new tactical approach.
Pembroke caused a lot of damage by drawing on their experienced middle players' abilities to coast to a somewhat comfortable 3-1 win.
Division One women
The match between Ace Enka and Playvolley provided several breathtaking rallies. The first two sets went Ace's way, 25-23 and 25-16. But then it was Playvolley's turn to show some fighting spirit and good teamwork to win a close third set 27-25.
However, in the next game Ace regained composure to win the set and the match 3-1.
In their first outing of the season, Kerygma Savemart Supermarket suffered a 0-3 defeat at the hands of Pembroke. During this game a lot of points were lost from service errors.
Moreover, Pembroke gave away no fewer than six points due to wrong rotations. But, all in all, they were still happy to bag their first points of the season even though playing without a full attacking potential as some of their regulars were missing.
Division Two Men
The two matches from this division were won by San Anton and Kerygma Savemart Supermarket with scores of 3-0 and 3-2 against Blockers and Fleur-de-Lys CFK respectively.
San Anton had to work hard to win the first two sets (25-22 and 25-23) against Blockers. But then they took over to wrap up the match.
A lengthy affair between Kerygma Savemart and Fleur-de-Lys CFK was characterised by various mistakes committed from both teams.
Kerygma went 2-0 ahead but CFK had other ideas and evened the scores forcing a deciding fifth set. However, at this point, Kerygma stepped up a gear as CFK lost the pace to lose the match 3-2.
Division Tow Women
Both newcomers X-Sel and Paola Di Milano started off with full points against Fleur-de-Lys Teletwist and Flyers respectively.
X-Sel and Teletwist entertained those present with an exciting five setter - 25-20, 16-25, 24-26, 25-15 and 9-15 for X-Sel.
The experienced Paola Di Milano side beat Flyers 3-0.