The Malta Volleyball Association’s competitions resumed last weekend after a pause for the beach volley encounters at the Mediterranean Friendship Games.

Despite being without a number of key players, Valletta San Antonio cruised past Mġarr (25-16, 25-10, 25-10) for their fourth preliminary round victory. Valletta were efficient in attack while their good reception allowed them to vary their play and use both setters.

In the second match from the men’s championship, Sliema gained their first points after beating Iklin 3-1. Iklin started well to take the first set 25-17.

The second set could have gone either way with Sliema eventually winning it 25-23. Their nerves settled by their second-set win, Sliema took the next two sets, 25-18 and 25-20, to secure their first victory.

In the ladies’ first division, Depiro Flyers found no real resistance from a young Play Volley Galaxy side, winning in three straight sets (25-15, 25-16, 25-10).

Fleur de Lys ruffled Hibs’ feathers by claiming the first set 26-24 but the Paolites hit back strongly. Dominating the next three sets (25-18, 25-9, 25-17), Paola produced strong sevices and attacks to underline their intentions to defend their league crown.

In the ladies’ second division, Flyers strolled to a 3-0 win over TGIF (25-15, 25-5, 25-19). Flyers controlled the game throughout and gave their younger players, the likes of Naomi Borg, Stephanie Grech, Stephanie Zerafa and libero Kim Grech, more playing time.

Southend 2 won their game against Paola U-18 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-19) to maintain their lead at the top of the table.