Australian Volleyball Federation News

AUS Men lose in 3 to Argentina in final game (Match Report)

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:00:00 +1000

WC Prep Tour - August, 2010
Volleyball Team Australia
(Australian Men�s Volleyball Team)
v. Argentina
in Tandil, Argentina

Match 4 - 29th August 2010

AUS lost to ARG 0:3
(23-25, 21-25,21-25)

AIS-VTAM (Points scored):
1 Aidan Zingel (9)
3 Nathan Roberts (4)
5 Travis Passier (2)
6 Igor Yudin (6)
7 Matthew Young (C) (2)
9 Adam White (5)
10 Shane Alexander (0)
11 Joel Tyrrell (Libero)
15 John Dekker (0)
16 William Thwaite (0)
17 Carroll Paul (16)
19 Tom Edgar (DNP)

Match Statistics:
Attack � Team 43% kill 20% err (23%ke)
White 56% kill (9) 11% err
Carroll 45% kill (31) 13% err
ARG 47% kill 12% err (34% ke)

Block � Team 6 kills 5 controls
Zingel and Carroll 2 kills each
ARG 10 kills 6 controls

Passing � Team 2.07 46% perfect 4 err
White 2.56 (9) 56% perfect 0 err
ARG 2.38 64% perfect 3 err

Serving � Team 1.30 3 aces 13 errors
Yudin 1.79 (14); Yudin 2 aces
ARG 1.54 4 aces 15 errors

Defence � Team 18 digs
Young � 9 digs
ARG 15 digs

Volleyball Team Australia played the final match of the 2010 World Championships Preparation Tour against fellow World Championship team Argentina this evening. The Team will return to Australia tomorrow and the players will take a short break before eight days training at the AIS, prior to travelling to Italy.

MATCH � REPORT

Volleyball Team Australia played a good opponent this evening in Tandil, Argentina. Argentina recently hosted the World League Finals, which included a five set encounter with world number one team, Brazil.

Carroll killed an overpass off a Young serve, but Argentina started slightly better in this match. A transition kill and a block gave them an 8-6 at the first technical timeout. A Yudin transition kill momentarily decreased the margin, but an Argentinean ace, a transition kill and an Australian attack error increased their lead to 16-12 at the second technical timeout. Argentina made an attack error and Australia served an ace through Roberts, as well as a block to Carroll to fight back. In the end Argentina only needed to side out to take the set, which they did at 24-23.

Carroll blocked early in the second set and then Young killed an overpass off a Yudin serve, but Argentina transitioned and then Australia made an attack error to give the South Americans a small break at the first technical timeout. Australia blocked through Yudin, but Argentina increased their margin through a block and then an Australian attack error to lead 16-13. Argentina went further ahead with a second transition kill to lead 21-16. A Zingel block, a Yudin ace and a transition opportunity killed by Carroll gave the Australians hope, but Argentina had amassed a good break by this stage and only needed to sideout to take the set.

Australia started well in the third set. The Team created a four point break through a block to Zingel, a Carroll transition kill, a second Yudin ace and then an Argentinean attack error. The next passage of play went on sideout, but Argentina served an ace just before the second technical timeout to trail 13-16. In an amazing serving and blocking performance, Argentina turned the set around, with six stuff blocks and two service aces to score twelve points to Australia�s five. The excited crowd supported their team wildly, as it became evident that the home team was over running their opponents.

As Coach Borgeaud said after the match, there is a need to take important lessons from this match against a team with World League experience, before Australia sets out for the World Championships in Italy in mid September.

AUS Men defeat Tunisia in second game in Argentina (Match Report)

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:00:00 +1000

WC Prep Tour - August, 2010
Volleyball Team Australia
(Australian Men�s Volleyball Team)
v. Tunisia
in Tandil, Argentina

Match 3 - 27th August 2010

AUS defeated TUN 3:2
(25-23, 23-25, 21-25, 25-22, 15-12)

AIS-VTAM (Points scored):
1 Aidan Zingel (13)
3 Nathan Roberts (6)
5 Travis Passier (0)
6 Igor Yudin (11)
7 Matthew Young (C) (3)
9 Adam White (6)
10 Shane Alexander (1)
11 Joel Tyrrell (Libero)
15 John Dekker (1)
16 William Thwaite (9)
17 Carroll Paul (31)
19 Tom Edgar (DNP)

Match Statistics:
Attack � Team 56% kill 12% err (44%ke)
Thwaite 70% kill (10) 10% err
Carroll 67% kill (43) 9% err
Zingel 67% kill (15) 13% err
TUN 48% kill 15% err (33% ke)

Block � Team 12 kills 9 controls
Zingel & Young 3 kills each
TUN 7 kills 2 controls

Passing � Team 2.13 49% perfect 7 err
Tyrrell 2.25 (12) 67% perfect 1 err
TUN 2.44 66% perfect 1 err

Serving � Team 1.38 1 ace 13 errors
Young 1.69 (16); Thwaite 1 ace (17)
TUN 1.67 7 aces 16 errors

Defence � Team 24 digs
Young � 5 digs / Yudin, Tyrrell & Carroll 4 digs each
TUN 24 digs

On the final leg of the 2010 World Championships Preparation Tour, Australia is playing critical matches against fellow World Championship teams Argentina and Tunisia. The three teams started the second of two mini Tournaments tonight. After returning to Australia, the players will take a short break before eight days training at the AIS, prior to travelling to Italy.

MATCH � REPORT

Australia and Tunisia played a high standard match this evening. Both teams attacked well and floor defence was a feature of the match.
Despite an overpass kill by Zingel off a Roberts� serve, Tunisia made a better start to the match. Two transition points gave them an 8-6 lead. Tunisia was playing well, but a service error, started a slide, which included a block to Carroll, a transition kill through Yudin and a Tunisian attack error, contributing to an Australian lead at the next break (16-13.) Tunisia errored twice on attack as Australia led 21-16. Tunisia fought back, but a late block by Young, together with some solid attack from Carroll helped Australia to win the set.

Carroll blocked early in the second set and then scored a transition kill, but Tunisia was playing well and went to an 8-5 lead, which they maintained through to the second technical timeout. Tunisia was doing some damage on serve and scored their third ace, extending the lead to 21-16. At 24-20, they looked certain to take the set, but Australia defended hard and created and converted three transition opportunities (Carroll 2 and White) to reach 23-24. Tunisia finally sided out to take the set.

Australia fell behind in the third set as Tunisia served and transitioned well to lead 8-5. The African team extended their lead as they transitioned again. They were giving little away, making just one error on their way to a 16-12 lead. Australia fought back with blocks to Zingel and Young, as well as a transition kill through Carroll, but Tunisia was transitioning at 90% kill for break point, giving Australia little chance of taking the set.

Australia started much better in the fourth set, with an early ace to Thwaite, a block to Zingel and an overpass kill. Tunisia pegged back a point through transition, but Young blocked again to maintain a three point break at 16-13. Three attack errors by Australia and a Tunisian transition kill turned the set in Tunisia�s favour to lead 21-19. Australia kept fighting hard and transitions through Carroll and Roberts, together with an Alexander block and a Tunisian attack error contributed to Australia levelling the score at two sets all.

Thwaite blocked the first point of the fifth set and Carroll killed a transition opportunity shortly after. Australia changed 8-7 ahead, having made just one error to this point. Tunisia scored a second transition kill, but two attack errors put Australia two points ahead. Dekker killed an overpass off a Yudin serve to give Australia the match.

Australia will now play Argentina on Sunday.

Australia Junior Women�s Team to compete at the 15th Asian Junior Women�s Volleyball Championship

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:16:00 +1000

The Australian Junior Women�s Team is set to tour Vietnam and represent our country at the 15th Asian Junior Women�s Volleyball Championships Sept 12th - 20th in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Australian team will meet in Brisbane for a 3 day training camp; travel to Vietnam for a series of friendly matches against a range of Senior and Junior teams before embarking on participation in the Asian Junior Championships.

Australian 2010 Asian Junior Championship Tour Schedule:
3rd - 5th September     Pre-Departure Training Camp Brisbane at QSAC / QAS

6th September             Depart Brisbane, Australia to Vietnam

7th - 10th September   Training Camp and Friendly matches in Vietnam

11th September           Official tournament Training Day

12th - 20th September             15th Asian Women�s Asian Volleyball Championships
12th Sept                     1200    AUS v KOREA, Opening Ceremony @ 1800
13th Sept                     1800    AUS v CHINA
14th Sept                     2000    AUS v IRAN
15th Sept onwards       Cross over and classification matches.

21st September           Depart Vietnam

22nd September          Arrive in Australia � back to home states

AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR TEAM 2010
The 15th Asian Junior Women�s Volleyball Championships is a prestigious tournament in the Asian Volleyball Confederation calendar. The tournament will see the best teams from Asia send their Under 19 teams, while Australia will send a combined U19 (�92 / �93) and U17 (�94 and �95) team. This decision was made by Volleyball Australia earlier this year when the Asian Volleyball Confederation changed their rules and regulations on age groups for 2010. We have made this decision because we strongly believe we require a targeted and committed approach to expose a group of talented athletes to high quality International competition and tour experiences � the 92/93 athletes competing exclusively in the Asian Youth Tournament back in May earlier this year.

Athletes Selected for this tour:
Shae Sloane                           Captain, VIC
Alexandra Sneddon                Vice Captain, ACT
Nikala Cunningham                Vice Captain, QLD
Monique Stojanovic                VIC
Madeleine Clarke                    QLD
Georgina Rowe                       SA
Rebecca Reeve                      SA
Breanne Goschnick                QLD
Simona Koncarevic                WA
Georgia Davey                       QLD
Karlie Willmot                          QLD
Brittany Jack                           NSW
(Unfortunately Jess Ryder has been a late withdrawal due to a serious family illness.
We wish Jess and her family all the best.
We congratulate Brittany on her selection and wish her the very best in our team)

Staff Selected for this tour:
Simon NAISMITH
Nam PHAM
Bea DALY
Chau LE

Family, Friends and Supporters can keep up to date with information and results of this tour via the following the links
AUS Team Blog Site                    92nyw.wordpress.com
Volleyball Australia Web site         www.avf.org.au
Asian Volleyball Web site              www.asianvolleyball.org  ;

A Depleated AUS Mens team defeat Tunisia in Argentina (Match Report)

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:00:00 +1000

WC Prep Tour - August, 2010
Volleyball Team Australia
(Australian Men�s Volleyball Team)
v. Tunisia
in Bolivar, Argentina

Match 2 - 24th August 2010

AUS defeated TUN 3:0
(25-14, 25-16, 25-20)

AIS-VTAM (Points scored):
1 Aidan Zingel (10)
3 Nathan Roberts (12)
5 Travis Passier (ill)
6 Igor Yudin (1)
7 Matthew Young (C) (5)
9 Adam White (ill)
10 Shane Alexander (3)
11 Joel Tyrrell (Libero - ill)
15 John Dekker (ill)
16 William Thwaite (7)
17 Carroll Paul (15)
19 Tom Edgar (DNP)

Match Statistics:
Attack � Team 52% kill 24% err (29%ke)
Roberts 61% kill (18) 17% err
TUN 27% kill 31% err (-4% ke)

Block � Team 15 kills 6 controls
Zingel, Young & Thwaite 4 kills each
TUN 7 kills 2 controls

Passing � Team 2.25 60% perfect 4 err
Roberts 2.17 (23) 57% perfect 3 err
TUN 2.08 48% perfect 5 err

Serving � Team 1.72 5 aces 10 errors
Zingel 2.36 (11); Zingel & Carroll 2 aces each (19)
TUN 1.37 4 aces 11 errors

Defence � Team 21 digs
Young � 9 digs
TUN 11 digs

Volleyball Team Australia has travelled to Argentina on the final leg of the Team�s 2010 World Championships Preparation Tour. The Team will play critical matches against fellow World Championship teams Argentina and Tunisia. The competition will be part of two small tournaments involving the three teams. Argentina have recently taken world number one Brazil to five sets at home and Tunisia is always a tough contender, with major experience in world events, as the African representative. After returning to Australia, the players will take a short break before eight days training at the AIS, prior to travelling to Italy.

MATCH � REPORT

This was an amazing match. With four players ruled out through illness and another one who could not finish the game, as well as restricted staff involvement, Volleyball Team Australia was forced to �borrow� a 16 year old libero from the local club team and play a setter as a passer hitter for the last half of the match. Despite adversity, the Team was still able to defeat Tunisia who was coming off a series of unsuccessful World League qualification matches against Japan.

After two early blocks to Tunisia, Australia was able to steady and create and convert two transition points through Roberts, an ace through Thwaite and blocks to Roberts and Young to lead comfortably. After the break the Team consolidated with another Roberts� transition kill, before a blocking blitzkrieg (three to Zingel, two to Thwaite and one to Young) ended Tunisia�s opportunity to take the set.

Tunisia started the second set with a block, but Australia soon established a lead with a block to Young, a Tunisian attack error and a rotational fault. After the break Zingel killed a transition opportunity through the middle and then served an ace to give Australia a handy break. When Carroll blocked and then Roberts and Carroll transitioned Tunisia looked a little demoralized. Tunisia started to make attack errors which ended any possibility they had to take the second set.

With Yudin unable to continue from late in the second set due to illness, the third set looked like it was going to be a little tougher as Alexander needed to play as a passer hitter and others were required to assist with reception. The players responded superbly on court, overcoming potential problems with good communication and planning. The set was much closer in the early stages. Blocks to Thwaite and Zingel, a transition pipe through Alexander as well as consecutive service aces to Carroll still only gave Australia a small lead at the first technical timeout, as Tunisia responded well on serve and block. An ace to Zingel after the break and a block to Carroll increased the Australian lead. Zingel scored a block when he returned to the court and the young Argentinean club libero was doing an amazing job in reception and defence, assisting in two transition opportunities which resulted in kills through Carroll and Roberts. Australia closed out a memorable victory.

Australia will now play Tunisia and Argentina in a second Tournament in two days time.

AUS Men defeated by a strong Argentina team in Bolivar (Match Report)

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +1000

WC Prep Tour - August, 2010
Volleyball Team Australia
(Australian Men�s Volleyball Team)
v. Argentina
in Bolivar, Argentina

Match 1 - 23rd August 2010

AUS lost to ARG 0:3
(18-25, 21-25, 23-25)

AIS-VTAM (Points scored):
1 Aidan Zingel (8)
3 Nathan Roberts (9)
5 Travis Passier (1)
6 Igor Yudin (DNP)
7 Matthew Young (C) (2)
9 Adam White (7)
10 Shane Alexander (3)
11 Joel Tyrrell (Libero)
15 John Dekker (4)
16 William Thwaite (1)
17 Carroll Paul (6)
19 Tom Edgar (2)

Match Statistics:
Attack � Team 38% kill 20% err (19%ke)
Zingel 67% kill (9) 11% err
Roberts 41% kill (22) 9% err
ARG 46% kill 20% err (26% ke)

Block � Team 7 kills 8 controls
Zingel and Young 2 kills each
ARG 7 kills 5 controls

Passing � Team 1.92 35% perfect 4 err
Roberts 2.08 (12) 50% perfect 1 err
ARG 2.42 64% perfect 1 err

Serving � Team 1.31 1 ace 11 errors
Thwaite 2.14 (7); Alexander 1 ace (2)
ARG 2.01 4 aces 8 errors

Defence � Team 18 digs
Tyrrell � 11 digs
ARG 18 digs

Volleyball Team Australia has travelled to Argentina on the final leg of the Team�s 2010 World Championships Preparation Tour. The Team will play critical matches against fellow World Championship teams Argentina and Tunisia. The competition will be part of two small tournaments involving the three teams. Argentina have recently taken world number one Brazil to five sets at home and Tunisia is always a tough contender, with major experience in world events, as the African representative. After returning to Australia, the players will take a short break before eight days training at the AIS, prior to travelling to Italy.

MATCH � REPORT

On this tour Australia has played in a Tournament involving the top eight countries in Asia, as well as strong European contenders Czech Republic and Poland, but it was very evident from the first whistle that the Team would benefit greatly from playing the second strongest team in South America and one of the best teams in the world.

The match started at a frenetic pace, with Argentina taking the early initiative on transition, block and serve. It was clear from the outset that Australia was playing one of the best defensive teams this preparation as Argentina repeatedly repelled the Australian attack. This led to attack errors as the players tried to do too much and the locals took an 8-2 lead. Australia pegged back the score a little with a transition kill through Roberts and a block from Edgar, but Argentina led 16-11. A couple of attack mistakes from the locals gave Australia hope at 17-21, but service errors prevented the Australians from gaining any further ground. Argentina finished the set with an ace to stamp their authority even further.

The second set started with a dubious ace from the locals and then a one on one block. Despite blocks to Zingel and Young, Argentina took an 8-5 lead as Australia errored on attack and were aced with a good serve. Australia fought on tenaciously with transition kills to Roberts and Carroll, as well as a second block to Young. Argentina was fantastic in floor defence and produced two transition points to match the Australian effort. The margin remained consistent as Australia struggled to bridge the gap. Argentina made two blocks, which helped them to take the set.

Australia started better in the third set, making the locals earn their points. At 7-all a net assisted ace gave Argentina an 8-7 lead. Argentina�s defence was frustrating Australia leading to a number of attack errors trying to avoid the defence. Argentina led 16-12 at the second technical timeout. Alexander injected some energy when he came into the match, making a transition kill, a block and then a service ace in quick succession. Australia was mounting a fine comeback, but every time the Team started to make progress a service error or an attack mistake halted the progress. In the end Argentina needed to side out at 24-22, which they did on their second attempt to take the match.
Australia now plays Tunisia in match two.

AUS Men lose to Poland in second game (Match Report)

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +1000

WC Prep Tour - August, 2010
Volleyball Team Australia
(Australian Men�s Volleyball Team)
v. Poland B
in Belchatow, Poland

Match 2 - 19th August 2010

AUS lost to POL B 1:3
(25-17, 23-25, 22-25, 22-25)

AIS-VTAM (Points scored):
1 Aidan Zingel (9)
3 Nathan Roberts (14)
5 Travis Passier (1)
6 Igor Yudin (7)
7 Matthew Young (C) (2)
9 Adam White (17)
10 Shane Alexander (1)
11 Joel Tyrrell (Libero)
15 John Dekker (0)
16 William Thwaite (2)
17 Carroll Paul (3)
19 Tom Edgar (16)

Match Statistics:
Attack � Team 50% kill 23% err (26%ke)
Zingel 67% kill (9) 11% err
Edgar 62% kill (21) 14% err
Yudin 57% (7) 14% err
White 48% (27) 11% err
POL 42% kill 14% err (28% ke)

Block � Team 9 kills 9 controls
Zingel and Young 2 kills each
POL 12 kills 2 controls

Passing � Team 2.05 45% perfect 5 err
Tyrrell 2.24 (21) 62% perfect 2 err
POL 2.19 57% perfect 10 err

Serving � Team 1.54 10 aces 14 errors
White 2.05 (20); White 4 aces
POL 1.68 5 aces 14 errors

Defence � Team 31 digs
Young and White � 7 digs each
POL 22 digs

As part of the preparation for the 2010 World Championships, Volleyball Team Australia has travelled to Poland; to play Poland B in two public matches and a scrimmage match. Poland B contains a number of players on Poland�s official list for World Championships in Italy, in September. After Poland the Australian Team will continue on to South America for two small tournaments in Argentina against World Championship teams Argentina and Tunisia.

MATCH � REPORT

Despite a scrimmage match victory against this Polish Team a few days before, Volleyball Team Australia was unable to finish the Poland section of the tour with a win this evening.

The Team was, however, able to play one of the best sets of volleyball in recent times and certainly for this season. Receiving just three points from the opposition Volleyball Team Australia attacked at 70% kill, with just 5% error, reeling off five service aces and two blocks to stun their opponents in front of 1000 vocal spectators. White led the count on service aces and Zingel was unstoppable in three quick attacks from well off the net. Yudin played a strong hand in his only set for the evening (returning from injury) combining well with Young in some important moments.

The second set was close with no more than two points separating the teams at any stage. Australia�s serving, which had been dominant in the first set, dropped off the pace in the second set, with a few more errors resulting in the need to �back-off� a little, once Poland hit the lead. This together with just a few more errors on attack was enough to tip a very close set in favour of the home team.

Australia should have won the third set. The Team was dominant in the early stages, with the Australian servers producing two early aces and a block to lead comfortably, at 8-3. Poland had been error prone on service in the second set, but started to make their serves after the break, forcing the Australians to hit on the outside, often setting the ball from up to five metres off the net. Poland went on a blocking spree making six blocks from around the second technical timeout to turn the set around and lead by two sets to one.

Poland took a three point lead early in the fourth set, with attack errors being the main difference between the two sides. Substitutions seemed to settle the Team, but Australia could not convert opportunities that they created in transition. In fact, the teams were very similar in all other departments for the set, being identical in aces, blocks and attack points. Opposition error (a difference of three points in Poland�s favour) being the only difference and deciding the set in Poland�s favour.

Australia will now travel to Argentina.

AUS Men lose a tight 4 set match against Poland (Match Report)

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:00:00 +1000

WC Prep Tour - August, 2010
Volleyball Team Australia
(Australian Men�s Volleyball Team)
v. Poland B
in Belchatow, Poland

Match 1 - 14th August 2010

AUS lost to POL B 1:3
(21-25, 25-23, 18-25, 23-25)

AIS-VTAM (Points scored):
1 Aidan Zingel (10)
3 Nathan Roberts (15)
5 Travis Passier (3)
6 Igor Yudin (DNP)
7 Matthew Young (C) (0)
9 Adam White (10)
10 Shane Alexander (2)
11 Joel Tyrrell (Libero)
15 John Dekker (2)
16 William Thwaite (0)
17 Carroll Paul (8)
19 Tom Edgar (13)

Match Statistics:
Attack � Team 45% kill 16% err (29%ke)
Roberts 48% kill (29) 17% err
Edgar 42% kill (19) 5% err
White 42% (19) 11% err
POL 52% kill 17% err (34% ke)

Block � Team 12 kills 10 controls
Zingel 6 kills
POL 10 kills 8 controls

Passing � Team 1.85 31% perfect 11 err
White 2.20 (20) 50% perfect 1 err
POL 2.03 50% perfect 7 err

Serving � Team 1.70 7 aces 18 errors
Passier 2.31 (13); Edgar 3 aces (13)
POL 1.77 11 aces 17 errors

Defence � Team 13 digs
Alexander � 5 digs
POL 18 digs

As part of the preparation for the 2010 World Championships, Volleyball Team Australia has travelled to Poland; to play Poland B. Poland B contains a number of players on Poland�s official list for World Championships in Italy, in September. After Poland the Australian Team will continue on to South America for two small tournaments in Argentina against World Championship teams Argentina and Tunisia. After returning to Australia, the players will take a short break before eight days training at the AIS, prior to travelling to Italy for the World Championships.

MATCH � REPORT

Volleyball Team Australia lost a tight four set match against Poland B this evening. The Team had a great chance to take the match into a fifth set, but inconsistency and the inability to put the ball on the floor, in attack, cost the Team this opportunity.

The first set was close, with blocks to Edgar and Zingel compensating for two Polish aces. Poland still led 8-7 at the first technical timeout. Australia was aced again after the break and Poland went to the second technical timeout two points ahead. Roberts scored a block, as did the Polish players, but it was two more aces which gave Poland a 17-21 lead. Zingel served an ace near the end of the set, but an Australian attack error ended the set in Poland�s favour.

Australia made a solid start to the second set. White served an ace early in the set, but Poland transitioned and then blocked soon after. Zingel chalked up another block, before Edgar served consecutive aces to contribute to an 8-7 lead by Australia. The rest of the set was really a dogged fight pitting Poland�s strong serving game against Australia�s block and transition attack style. In the end the Australians took the set with transitions to White and Roberts, as well as blocks to Passier and Zingel.

Poland played very well in third set, with no attack errors and just five mistakes in total. Despite a third Edgar service ace and blocks to Alexander, Zingel and Passier, Poland led at both technical timeouts. Even when Australia started to fight back late in the set, three successive service errors gave the Team little chance of bridging the gap.

Australia came out strongly in the fourth set, with service aces to White and Alexander assisting the Team to an 8-7 lead. A block to Roberts and then an overpass kill to the same player off a White serve, together with blocks to Carroll and Zingel gave Australia a massive 16-9 lead at the second technical timeout. When Roberts served and Passier smashed a Polish overpass the Australians looked set to take the set. Poland started a long and sustained fight back, reeling off three transition kills (including one to take the match), two service aces and a block to stun the Australians as they caught them at 23-all and then took the set and the match.

Volleyball Team Australia plays the second of two official matches on 19th August.

Volleyball Australia Signs New Deal with Errea

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:11:00 +1000

Volleyball Australia (VA) has signed a new deal with high-profile Italian sportswear manufacturer, Errea. Formally recognised by the FIVB as a licensed supplier of Volleyball apparel worldwide, Errea will provide competition, training and travel uniforms for VA�s senior National Teams � Beach and Indoor - until the end of 2012.

�We are delighted to be working closely with Errea to improve the presentation and performance of our National Teams through the provision of high-quality technical sportswear�, said Joan Perry, VA CEO. � Australia�s Team to the 2010 Men�s Volleyball World Championships will be the first to wear the new uniform which has been designed and manufactured in Italy specifically for us. Our athletes and coaches will look and feel like superstars when they step on to the court in Italy in September�, Perry said.

Errea sportswear is distributed in Australia through Sport Plus, a Sydney-based company which has been servicing large parts of Australia�s Soccer community, at every level, for many years. �We have been supporting Football (Soccer) for several years now and saw a tremendous opportunity for Errea to grow its exposure here in Australia through a partnership with Volleyball Australia�, said George Aliferis, Sport Plus Managing Director. �Obviously we are providing our top-of-the-line technical apparel for VA�s National Teams, but we have something in our range Volleyball athletes and coaches at every level of the sport.�

Images of Australia�s new Errea uniforms will be posted on the VA website in September and October in the lead up to and during this year�s World Championships. Further information about Errea can be obtained by visiting Errea�s website at www.errea.com.au or by contacting George Aliferis at Sport Plus on telephone: 02 9723 2487 or email: George@sportplus.com.au.

AUS Men claim 3-0 Victory over Czech Republic in Game 3 (Match Report)

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:00:00 +1000

WC Prep Tour - August, 2010
Volleyball Team Australia
(Australian Men�s Volleyball Team)
v. Czech Republic
in Liberec, Czech Republic

Match 3 - 12th August 2010

AUS defeated CZE 3:0
(25-21, 25-21, 25-18)

AIS-VTAM (Points scored):
1 Aidan Zingel (3)
3 Nathan Roberts (11)
5 Travis Passier (2)
6 Igor Yudin (11)
7 Matthew Young (C) (2)
9 Adam White (2)
10 Shane Alexander (1)
11 Joel Tyrrell (Libero)
15 John Dekker (8)
16 William Thwaite (7)
17 Carroll Paul (DNP)
19 Tom Edgar (4)

Match Statistics:
Attack � Team 58% kill 18% err (40%ke)
Dekker 83% kill (6) 0% err
Yudin 50% kill (18) 17% err
CZE 44% kill 25% err (20% ke)

Block � Team 12 kills 9 controls
Dekker 3 kills
CZE 3 kills 1 control

Passing � Team 1.83 26% perfect 2 err
Roberts 2.07 (14) 21% perfect 1 err
CZE 2.17 49% perfect 3 err

Serving � Team 1.70 3 ace 10 errors
Dekker 2.33 (12); Yudin (8), Young (8) & Thwaite (20) 1 ace each
CZE 1.79 2 ace 15 errors

Defence � Team 11 digs
Alexander � 3 digs, Young & Tyrrell 2 each
CZE 8 digs

As part of the preparation for the 2010 World Championships, VTAM has travelled to the Czech Republic to play the Czech National Team, which has also qualified for World Championships in Italy.

MATCH � REPORT

After another day in the time zone, Volleyball Team Australia played a much steadier match against the Czech Republic this evening. In a welcome return to the court, after a difficult injury, Igor Yudin played opposite the setter, for the first two sets, in this final match of the series.

Australia started well with an early block to Thwaite and two blocks to Zingel (recovering from illness) to lead 8-5 at the first break. When Yudin clamped them one on one, Australia started a point scoring spree which included a transition through Thwaite, a block by the same player and then a Czech error to lead 16-8 at the second technical timeout. Things looked a little shaky after the break with four Australian attack errors allowing the Czech team to consolidate and get within four points of the Australians (21-17.) Unlike previous matches here, the Australians steadied and a transition by Dekker, together with a Roberts block put the Team back on target. The Czech team errored on serve at 21-24 to end the set.

Learning from previous matches against this team, Australia started well in the second set. Young served an ace on the first ball and then Thwaite followed with one shortly after. A transition through Roberts and a Dekker block gave Australia an 8-4 lead. Despite pressure from the Czechs with an ace and two transitions in quick succession, the Australians remained calm to maintain a one point lead at the second technical timeout. The Australians were setting a wonderful block on the outsides and the Czechs made two attack errors trying to avoid the block, giving Australia a 21-18 lead. Thwaite smashed an overpass off a Dekker float serve and then shortly after Yudin served a huge jump serve ace. When Alexander blocked at 24-21 the set was over.

Yudin finished after the second set as part of his graduated return to playing and Edgar replaced him. Australia started well again, as the Czech team made another attack error avoiding the block and then Roberts, as well as Dekker scored stuff blocks, to give Australia an 8-4 lead. Dekker chalked up his third block after the break, which was timely because the Czechs had transitioned moments before and were gaining some momentum. Czech Republic served an ace, but after siding out Thwaite killed another overpass, this time off a Passier service to give Australia a lead of 16-11 at the second technical timeout. Two quick transitions by Roberts and a block by Passier extended Australia�s lead to 21-14. The Czech team kept fighting until the end, but Australia was able to maintain this margin and take the match.

Volleyball Team Australia now travels to Poland to play matches against members of the Polish World Championships squad.

AUS Men fall short against Czech Republic in Game 2 (Match Report)

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:00:00 +1000

WC Prep Tour - August, 2010
Volleyball Team Australia
(Australian Men�s Volleyball Team)
v. Czech Republic
in Liberec, Czech Republic

Match 2 - 11th August 2010

AUS lost to CZE 1:3
(27-25, 23-25, 21-25, 21-25)

AIS-VTAM (Points scored):
1 Aidan Zingel (DNP - Ill)
3 Nathan Roberts (11)
5 Travis Passier (5)
6 Igor Yudin (DNP - Injured)
7 Matthew Young (C) (3)
9 Adam White (13)
10 Shane Alexander (0)
11 Joel Tyrrell (Libero)
15 John Dekker (5)
16 William Thwaite (7)
17 Carroll Paul (12)
19 Tom Edgar (0)

Match Statistics:
Attack � Team 47% kill 20% err (27%ke)
Passier 62% kill (8) 12% err
White 57% kill (21) 10%
CZE 50% kill 20% err (31% ke)

Block � Team 9 kills 7 controls
Roberts, Young, Dekker, Thwaite 2 kills each
CZE 7 kills 6 controls

Passing � Team 1.89 36% perfect 8 err
White 2.15 (33) 39% perfect 0 err
CZE 2.32 55% perfect 3 err

Serving � Team 1.44 3 ace 17 errors
White 1.75 (16); White, Roberts (8) & Carroll (14) 1 ace each
CZE 1.64 8 ace 23 errors

Defence � Team 21 digs
Tyrrell � 8 digs & Roberts & White 3 each
CZE 15digs

As part of the preparation for the 2010 World Championships, VTAM has travelled to the Czech Republic to play the Czech National Team, which has also qualified for World Championships in Italy.

MATCH � REPORT

A more rested Volleyball Team Australia played a little better in the second match of a three match series against the Czech Republic this evening. Unfortunately, Czech Republic also played better this evening. In the end it was consistency of performance that proved to be the biggest obstacle for the Australians.

Australia displayed some outstanding attack in the first set (57% kill and just 7% error.) The Team took an 8-6 lead at the first technical timeout, courtesy of two Czech attack errors. The Australians extended the lead to four points at the second technical timeout when Carroll and White scored a transition point each and then served aces. A careless hitting error after the break gave the Czechs the impetus to fight back. They blocked and then scored a net assisted ace, together with two transitions to level the score. Thwaite blocked, but the Czechs served consecutive aces, before an overpass kill by Passier off a White serve and a second Thwaite block gave Australia the set.

Czech Republic took a narrow lead in the second set (8-7), despite a transition through White and a Roberts� service ace. Australia worked hard and took a three point lead by the second technical timeout (16-13), with blocks to Young (2), Roberts and a transition kill through Carroll. The Team maintained this lead until 21-18 when a seemingly harmless service error started a Czech resurgence which included a block, an Australian attack and ball handling error, as well as two transition kills, to give them set point on serve. They then served an ace to complete a twelve to nine point turn around.

Despite an early transition kill by Roberts, Czech Republic skipped away (8-5) as Australia errored three times on attack and the Czechs served an ace. Australia fought back on the back of consecutive blocks to Dekker and Thwaite to lead 16-15, but two service mistakes released the pressure on the Czechs and they subsequently transitioned twice, created and converted an overpass, stuff blocked on the outside and then served another ace to win the set.

Australia became error prone at the beginning of the fourth set, making two direct errors on attack. Czech Republic converted two transitions to lead 8-5. Australia errored again on attack and then the Czechs transitioned a third time, but Australia fought back, with a block to Dekker and then a transition through the same player to trail 14-16. The Czech Republic transitioned again three more times, to create a sizable lead. A technical call against the locals started another Australian fight back, but a service error by Australia finished the run and the Czechs went on to win.

Australia plays the final match against Czech Republic tomorrow.