The University Blues have survived their biggest test to date, coming from two sets to nil down to defeat JMS QLD in one of the most exciting matches in AVL 2007. The eventually won 3-2 (20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 15-6)

Match Preview

 This match has just grown in stature following JMS Queensland’s upset of UTS Sydney Uni.  The Blues definitely looked a bit jittery at times in their last match but still finished very strongly.  With JMS Queensland entering the match full of confidence they will need to be very careful not to give the momentum up to the Northerners. 

Set 1

Starting Sixes:

JMS QLD:  4 Kristen Jansen (C),  3 Jillian McLeod,  6 Cassandra Iverson,  7 Jordan Mowen,  8 Justine Mowen,  12 Leigh McLennan,  10 Kylie Garlick (L),

 UNI BLUES:  12 Shannon Campbell (C),  3 Tarsha Praski,  5 Rhiannon Watt ,  6 Lauren Bertolacci,  7 Louise Bates,  11 Rebecca Walter,  18 Kelly O'Nial (L),

Game Notes:

Perhaps nerves, perhaps bad luck but the Blues open the match with four hitting errors.  A big Rhiannon Watt hit stops the trend but the Queenslanders quickly get the serve back and go on another points run.  The Queensland blocking causing the Blues all sorts of problems with Justine Mowen particularly prominent.  JMS Queensland also giving the Blues some of their own medicine with some great service pressure.   It's an amazing run that takes them to 8-1 and then 14-4 up.  Leigh McLennan is getting some great ups.  Kylie Garlick also providing some timely ups off some big hits by the Blues.  The Blues close to within four points providing some nervous moments for JMS Queensland but they secure the first set 25-20.

Score Worm:

Set 2

Starting Sixes:

JMS QLD:  4 Kristen Jansen (C),  3 Jillian McLeod,  6 Cassandra Iverson,  7 Jordan Mowen,  8 Justine Mowen,  12 Leigh McLennan,  10 Kylie Garlick (L),

 UNI BLUES:  12 Shannon Campbell (C),  3 Tarsha Praski,  5 Rhiannon Watt ,  6 Lauren Bertolacci,  11 Rebecca Walter,  14 Danielle Stott,  18 Kelly O'Nial (L),

 Game Notes:

 Interesting game developing now.  Blues still haven’t clicked but that could be because of the pressure that JMS Queensland are putting them under.  JMS Queensland captain has really come into the game now starting with a big kill on the first point but followed up with plenty of great defensive plays and a great array of attacking options.  Leigh McLennan also providing a viable attacking option.  Tarsha Praski is doing everything in her power to keep the Blues in it with no less than three slide kills under her belt.  At 15-17 down the Blues call a timeout sensing JMS Queensland were getting on top.  It doesn’t work at Queensland extend their lead with a service ace to Iverson and then a couple of errors to the Blues.   The Blues are in deep deep trouble, they just can’t get the ball on the deck. 

Score Worm:

Set 3

Starting Sixes:

UNI BLUES:  15 Neira Borcic,  12 Shannon Campbell (C),  3 Tarsha Praski,  6 Lauren Bertolacci,  11 Rebecca Walter,  14 Danielle Stott,  18 Kelly O'Nial (L),

 JMS QLD:  4 Kristen Jansen (C),  3 Jillian McLeod,  6 Cassandra Iverson,  8 Justine Mowen,  12 Leigh McLennan,  18 Candice McCarthy,  10 Kylie Garlick (L),

 Game Notes:

It’s fair to say as the third set gets underway that an upset is in the offing.  It’s just all going right for JMS Queensland.  Their attack, the defense, their service pressure – everything.  Having said that the Blues having been the front runners in this competition and they have rebounded strongly here.  Just slightly in front early but now pushing to extend.  Wallter is prominent.  JMS Queensland call the timeout at 7-12 down.  Jill McLeod immediately smashes one off the block but is countered by a clever Praski drop shot.   When Danielle Stott and Neira Borcic combined for a rare block (in this game) the score had blown out to 16-8.  It wouldn’t get any closer, the Blues closing it out 25-15, a much improved showing.

Score Worm:

Set 4

Starting Sixes:

JMS QLD:  4 Kristen Jansen (C),  3 Jillian McLeod,  6 Cassandra Iverson,  7 Jordan Mowen,  8 Justine Mowen,  12 Leigh McLennan,  10 Kylie Garlick (L),

 UNI BLUES:  15 Neira Borcic,  12 Shannon Campbell (C),  3 Tarsha Praski,  6 Lauren Bertolacci,  11 Rebecca Walter,  14 Danielle Stott,  18 Kelly O'Nial (L),

 Game Notes:

 Blues have started the fourth where they finished the third.   Kristen Jansen trying to inspire her troops with some great shots from impossible angles.  Tarsha Praski continues to trouble the JMS Queensland block. Service pressure from Blues setter Bertolacci bringing a lot of points.  Jill McLeod upping her defense in response to the Blues.  JMS QLD call their first timeout at 7-12.  Despite a couple more errors of their own the Queenslanders grab enough points to force the Blues to take a timeout.  An amazing up by Kylie Garlick off a huge Tarsha Praski hit save the day for JMS Queensland and brought them to within one point at 15-16.  The next phase of the match as enthralling and some of the plays almost brought the crowd to their feet.  It took the calmness of Blues captain to squeeze out a couple of points when things got tense.  The Blues pushing the game to five sets, 25-20.

Score Worm:

Set 5

Starting Sixes:

JMS QLD:  4 Kristen Jansen (C),  3 Jillian McLeod,  6 Cassandra Iverson,  7 Jordan Mowen,  8 Justine Mowen,  10 Kylie Garlick (L),  11 Amanda Doman,

 UNI BLUES:  15 Neira Borcic,  12 Shannon Campbell (C),  3 Tarsha Praski,  6 Lauren Bertolacci,  11 Rebecca Walter,  14 Danielle Stott,  18 Kelly O'Nial (L),

 Game Notes:

 Tight tight game (duh!).   JMS QLD grab the first two points after a Blues error and then a big finish by Jill McLeod.  Tarsha Praskia stepped to the service line and put the pressure on to take the Blue from 0-2 to 6-4 up.  McLeod snuck a powerful hit down the front of the block for 4-7.  It’s not over yet but just feels like the Blues might have the Maroons measure. 

Score Worm: