Volleyball: Paola Hibs win Fr. Tony Parnis cup

On  Sunday, Valletta San Antonio met Aloysians Defenders in the mens Fr. Tony Parnis Cup first round match. Last years league champions already lost a game to Aloysians this year and Valletta was determined to forget about the last game. Aloysians had other plans and wanted to prove they are this years top team heading to win both the league and the Fr. Tony Parnis cup. Both teams are strong on paper with many experienced players on both sides. 

The game lived up to its expecttations with Aloysians taking the first set 25-20 but during the second and third sets, Aloysians stepped up a gear and toppled the Valletta challenge by winning both sets with an identical score of 25-18. Valletta need to work harder to defeat Aloysians in the second leg of the knock out final to be played next weekend to force a decider.

In the ladies category, Paola Hibs who beat Fleur de Lys in the semi -finals easily won against Playvolley who had in turn managed to reach the finals by winning agaist Depiro. The match was mostly one sided with a superior Hibs with ever consistant Alison Borg always in control of the game.

Mellieha won 3-0 against TGIF consolidating their lead at the top of the second division league table. Danei Gingel was the best player on court for TGIF, with coach Bernard Bartolo performing numerious changes to  the team in order to trouble Mellieha. However, Mellieha coach Mark Soler got all of his tactical changes right and had no difficulties marching to victory.

In the second game, runners up Tatara Rabat faced Qormi, now coached by veteran Steve Attard. Tatara Rabat were never in a position to lose any sets with good volleyball played. Coach Darren Giordimaina further strengthened his team with the experienced Charlene Barbara and would pose serious competition to leaders Mellieha in their next encounter.

In a match that lasted 5 sets, spread over 2 and a half hours, Paola U18 won against Birkirkara Playvolley. It was a very interesting match with both teams fighting till the very last point. Sarah Spiteri and setter Amy Guiga had good performances for Paola putting Playvolley in difficult situations. However, merit must be given to Playvolley who fought hard and were close to winning the three points themselves.