Cambridge take set from league leaders

CVC 1 - 3 Sheffield (17-25, 20-25, 25-20, 26-28)

News posted: 19-Jan-2010

First league match in the new year, and a big task for Cambridge at home, as they were up against league #1 Sheffield. A full squad, except for Jay who is injured, was ready to give it their best against this tough opposition. With Michael playing libero again, Cambridge started with the same seven that managed to kick Lynx out of the cup last week.

In the first set, Cambridge came off to a good start with Erich serving to 3-0. Cambridge were still leading 5-4, but two strong serve runs from Sheffield allowed them to go up 12-20, at which point the set was basically over: 17-25. In the second set, Sheffield were only able to pull away at 15-17, going 0-2 up comfortably with 20-25.

In the third set, Cambridge switched tactics. Dan came on as opposite, while Sijme-Jan moved to the outside. Play became more consistent, middle hitters Jonas and Thomas were able to score a few points, and Chris was almost unstoppable on the outside. Sheffield were not able to get any long serve runs this set, and it was mostly a side-out game until 17-17. Consistent blocking and good defensive work allowed Cambridge to pull away to 21-17. Two more serve runs then finished it off: 25-20!

The fourth set saw Sheffield take an early lead, but Cambridge managed to fight back to 15-15. Two good service runs from Jonas and Erich, while Sheffield were only able to make side-outs, left the set for the taking: 21-17. Two side-outs later it was 22-18, but then Cambridge failed to make the side-out for five times in a row, after which Sheffield were suddenly strong favourites to win the set: 22-24. Cambridge were able to get to 24-24, but after a very tense ending of the set Sheffield were the stronger team: 26-28. Mixed feelings for Cambridge, therefore: winning a set against last year's league winners was more than expected, but one side-out more and it could have gone all the way to five sets.

Squad: John, Chris, Erich, Jonas, Dan, Thomas, Alex, Jean, Michael and Sijme-Jan.

MVP: *Sijme-Jan*

Cambridge M1 lose 0-2

News posted: 16-Dec-2009

On Saturday 12-12, Cambridge M1 faced Coventry & Warwick Riga at home. With only 3 losses this season so far, C&WR belong to the top three teams of Division 1, and Cambridge had a formidable task in front of them, even more so because they were handicapped due to the absence of Chris.

The first set did not happen, and is not to be mentioned again (see title): 10-25.

In the second set, Cambridge were again more than 8 points behind halfway through the second set, but from that point on they started to put up a fight, not fearing to disrupt the Riga machine with unconventional hits and even more unconventional second ball tips from Erich. By working very hard, Cambridge could get back into the set to level the score at 21-21. Although a few unnecessary errors saw the set go to Riga (22-25), Cambridge was now in with a chance to win a set.

Riga got off to a good start in the third set, but when Cambridge began to launch a counter-offensive at 4-10, frustration began to show in the Riga team, resulting in a yellow card for the Riga coach. Unfortunately, this disrupted the flow Cambridge were in, and despite the free point the set and match went to Riga (17-25). Although the level of play was disappointing sometimes, Cambridge could put up a decent fight in the last two sets against one of the top teams in Division one.

Squad: Jon, Jonas, Alex, Dan, Michael, Jean, Sijme-Jan, Thomas, Jay, Erich.

MVP: Sijme-Jan

W1 win a new player and two matches

News posted: 12-Dec-2009

On Sunday 6th of December the Cambridge team had an early start to make it in time for two league matches in London. The first match was against London Knights a team that Cambridge had already beaten once this season. With a new and now the youngest team member, Taylor and two new supporters (Taylor¡¦s mum and dad) the team felt ready for another win. After a good warm up, the team quickly eased into the match and won the first set 16:25 and the second set 17:25. These two sets were characterised by consistent serving and many fast attacks through the middle from Joana and Elina who scored many points. In the third set, Taylor had her debut appearance playing very well and hitting hard through the outside. During the third set a new outside hitter from London Knights whose unpredictable hitting (throwing) caught the Cambridge team off guard and resulted in a tight, but won set 26:24 Overall the team played well and because of better than usual passing was able to score many points through fast attacks through the middle with excellent play from Joana and Elina.

MVP: Anna Weingraber

The second match against Tonbridge started great and saw Taylor playing from the beginning. The first set was won 25:16. During the second set, main camera man and photographer James was cause for some concern of the opposition and was asked to stop taking pictures ƒ¼ Nevertheless the Cambridge team stayed focussed and worked well together to secure a second set win 25:12. Cambridge¡¦s hitting strengths and smart play also secured the third and last set which again ended 25:16.

A special thank you to Taylor¡¦s parents and James for travelling with the team and their enthusiastic support during both matches. Special apologies to Katie who stayed in Cambridge and did not make it to the match :(

Squad: Bethan, Elina, Joana, Taylor, Roann, Dorle, Anna

MVP: Anna Weingraber

Cambridge M1 refuse to switch on.

News posted: 29-Nov-2009

After two consecutive wins (one in the cup, one in the league), Cambridge were looking forward to take on one of the stronger teams in the league, London Docklands, in their fourth home match of the season. After a good intensive warm-up, the first set started with side-outs for both teams, after which a serve run from Jean took Cambridge to a 3-1 lead. Unfortunately, that lead did not last long and Cambridge let Docklands pull away gradually, ending the set at 15-25.

With all intensity disappeared, Cambridge struggled in the second set as well. They got stuck in two rotations, allowing Docklands' Uzunov and Sliti to make 5-point serve runs each, giving them an 9-18 lead. Although Erich had his own strong serve run just after, leading to two Dockland substitutions, it was too little too late. Cambridge lost the second set 17-25.

In the third set, Cambridge were determined to put up a fight. They could keep up until 14-15, at which point it almost looked like a real match. At 17-19, Docklands had a strong serve run again to 17-23, after which the set was basically over (19-25). Conclusion: no one really played in this match, which makes it difficult to win anything.

Squad: Chris, Sijme-Jan, Alex, Erich, Dan, Jon, Jonas, Jean, Michael, Thomas.

MVP: *Sijme-Jan*

2009 Christmas Dinner

News posted: 29-Nov-2009

Thanks to the great organisation from social secretary Lucy and Dan the 2009 christmas dinner was very well attended, fun and insightful :) Thank you to all that attended, we hope you had a great time! Merry Christmas!

Women 1 secure another two wins in Portsmouth

News posted: 23-Nov-2009

An almost complete Cambridge team and supporters travelled to Portsmouth to play against Portsmouth 2 and Brentwood 2.

In the first match against Portsmouth the team found it difficult to get into the game and play to their full potential. Kate played very well on the outside and won lots of points with her hard hits. Sabrina had her debut as a libero and did very well in the back court, defending and picking up tips. The match was won without too much of an effort but the team felt that more enthusiasm on court was needed. MVP: Kate

In the second match against Brentwood 2 Cambridge decided to play a little more agressive and to use Sabrina as a setter and Bethan as a Libero. Mixing the teamup even more, the coach Phil put Kate as middle player and Roann on the outside. This new rotation really suited the team and everyone played well in their new positions especially in the third set where Cambridge won 25:2. Overall a successful weekend however we were all a little disappointed to travel such a long way and only have two quick games.

Unfortunately Kate had a little accident on court with a loss of her trainer which also resulted in a twisted ankle which we hope she will rest and be ready and well again for the next game.

MVP: Anna

Squad: Kate, Roann, Dorle, Bethan, Sabrina, Joana, Mihri, Anna

Firsty league victory for Cambridge M1.

News posted: 22-Nov-2009

Last Saturday, 21st November 2009, Cambridge were up against Newcastle Staffs; a match between the current bottom two teams in Division 1. For this crucial home match, Cambridge turned up with almost a full squad, which gave coach Roann a few more options to try to make things happen through substitutions. After an intensive and loud warm-up, both teams exchanged points in the first set until 6-8, after which Newcastle slowly built up a lead of 5 points. At 16-21, Cambridge started to pull back a few points, forcing Newcastle to take a time-out at 19-21. Another Newcastle time-out was needed at 23-24, but in the end they could secure the first set (23-25).

The second set showed a very similar scoring pattern, except that Newcastle could never take a bigger lead than two points. At 14-14, Cambridge were looking good with outsides scoring heavily and some impressive defensive actions. Consistent blocking allowed Cambridge to make the most of the mistakes by Newcastle, to pull away and win the second set (25-21).

In the third set, Cambridge came off to a slow start, giving Newcastle an early 2 point lead. Cambridge were able to fight back quickly, and at 4-4 the scores were levelled again. Two good Cambridge service runs (Sijme-Jan and Chris) then gave them a 12-6 lead, which formed the basis of a 25-19 victory in the third set.

In the all-important fourth set both teams exchanged points until 6-7, after which an impressive run of serves from Jonas gave Cambridge a 14-10 lead. After that, Cambridge were basically only making side-outs, while Newcastle slowly got back in the set. At 21-19, Cambridge took their first time-out of the match. A few quite nervous rallies later, Cambridge could win the fourth set 25-22 to secure their first league win of the season!

Squad: Jon, Jean, Erich, Dan, Jonas, Alex, Chris, Thomas, Sijme-Jan

MVP: *Sijme-Jan*

County Men lose in 5 to Pips

CVC lose 2 - 3 (25 - 18, 24 - 26, 19 - 25, 25 - 20, 11 - 15 )

News posted: 16-Nov-2009

CVC started well but St Philips then took the 2nd set which was a close set and gathered momentum. Some good quality volleyball from both sides but St Philips won overall with a 5th set win to take the match 3 - 2

Cambridge W1 came out top at the battle of the big 3 in Northampton

News posted: 9-Nov-2009

If you want to know what competitive volleyball looks like you should have been at the battle of the big 3 this weekend w/ Horthampton hosting Cambridge and Tendring!!!

Upon entering the Moulton Sports Center there was a sense of tension in the air as the top 3 teams in the division were preparing to battle for the number one spot. Northampton had just beaten Tendring looking to continue their victory streak with Cambridge. It was our turn to show them what we had! Due to the availability of players the set up was a bit different than usual. Roann was an OH, Kate and Elina covered the duty of middle blockers and Dorle played opposite of Kasia. Everyone was pumped up and ready to go. Bethan was set to dig their big hitters! The set started off at a slow pace with both teams doing well enough to score a couple of points at a time. With a few well placed hits by Northampton and a few service errors by Cambridge the first set was lost at a close 25-18. Refusing to back down, Cambridge came out in the 2nd set with a vengeance to reclaim a lead in a dramatic battle of serves, amazing defense and killer offence. The set was won by CAMBS 27-29 in an epic fight to the finish. Northampton did not back down in the 3rd set and, with a new rotation of players (including Sabrina coming off the bench to set in stellar fashion) from the Cambridge side, took advantage of a small hole to slip though and win 25-18. With Kasia and Roann back to setting, Kate and Anna outside, and Elina and Dorle as middles we set out to win 2 more sets for the match. We were truly feeling the pressure and the adrenalin was high. Every point had to be earned and fought for. We could not afford silly mistakes and unforced errors. Cambridge won the 4th set 22-25 with cool confidence and amazing teamwork on defense. Set 5 started off with CAMBS in a heap of trouble, down at the side swap 3-9. It was unknown if there would be enough time to fight back and set Northampton on their heels. With superb serving and smart offence to exploit the Northampton defense CAMBS shot up with confidence and won the set 9-15. Whew – what a game!

This match was a testament of outstanding teamwork and level headed play that great teams posses. Every single person put it all on the line to earn this win and Phil gave us the tools we needed to beat a skilled and experienced team. Well done ladies! Congrats – we’re number 1!!

Squad: Sabrina, Roann, Kate, Dorle, Kasia, Anna (Capt), Elina, and Bethan

MVP- Roann

Next match – 15 Nov @ Manor CC (Cup Match)

Cambridge make Mallory work for their victory

News posted: 4-Nov-2009

Malory Eagles are amongst the top teams in National League Division 1, and with Cambridge still waiting for their first victory they were clearly the underdog in this match. With Jonas, Dan and Jean back in the squad, and coach Roann finally on the right side of the court, Cambridge started the first set playing freely, resulting in some impressive blocks early on. Serve-receive was much improved compared to previous matches, which gave middle hitters Alex and Jonas a chance to score regularly. While Cambridge could keep up with the guests for the majority of the set, a few unforced errors saw the first set go to Malory: 21-25.

Not concerned by the loss of the first set, Cambridge improved their game in the second set, especially in defense, which allowed them to take an early lead. Malory time-outs did not help them, and Cambridge could hold on to their lead until the final five points of the set. One strong serve run from the guests then turned the tables, resulting in the second set going to Malory as well: 23-25.

In the third set Cambridge could not maintain their level of the first two sets. Malory took an early lead of 5 points, which steadily increased towards the end of the set. Although this third set was a relatively easy win for Malory (16-25), they had to work hard for two sets to take home a 0-3 victory.

Cambridge M1 go all the way to Bristol for a disappointing 3:0 loss.

News posted: 31-Oct-2009

With a few new players in tow (James, Jay and Rolf) Cambridge was looking forward to playing and hopefully winning.

During the warm-up Cambridge demonstrated a strong and aggressive attack, able to bring victory to Cambridge. However, the team did not manage to keep its aggression during the first set, giving Bristol an easy and early lead. The second set was a different scenario with Cambridge showing a good fighting spirit and better defensive play. Set three saw the Cambridge team continue strong which made Bristol work hard and earned them the set and match.

Bristol presented a very consistent and good defensive team which meant Cambridge had to work hard for every point. Cambridge struggled with the new system, however the team managed to put aside the worries and came back with a different attitude on the 2nd and 3rd set, however it was not enough to win and Bristol won by 3:0.

Cambridge, once again with an incomplete squad (Jon, Dan, Jonas and Jean missing), were disappointed to lose against Bristol but are looking forward to playing the return match at home with hopefully a full squad and then winning.

Squad: Sjime-Jan, Chris, Alex, Rolf, James, Jay and Erich

MVP: *Erich*

County Men stroll to victory against the University

News posted: 25-Oct-2009

CVC started well and the clocks going backwards eliminated that normal sunday morning 30mins to get everyone awake and on the ball. Some good quality volleyball from both sides but CVC dominated overall with a 3 - 0 win against UCCM (25 - 15, 25 - 16, 25 - 13 )

'Beginners' first outing victorious

First evening of Winter league proving great sucess for Beginners

News posted: 24-Oct-2009

On Friday 23rd October the beginners team had their first outing at the Leys school. The team was; Karen , Tom , Nick, Damien , Jacob , Przemek & Grenville. - see photo.

The opposition was Fitz , Corpus & Hills road. Hills road didn't show so our first match was in the bag & with that confidence boost the team them went onto beat Fitz in a close match & then convincingly beat Corpus (who to be fair were junior beginners rather than senior beginners!).

A fantastic result nevertheless & a great start to build on for the rest of the season. Well done all!!! Grenville

Outstanding performance from the Cambridge girls with a 3-0 victory in both games

News posted: 22-Oct-2009

That was the first fixture of the calendar year played at home. A full squad was on hand, allowing the coach Philp his trademark experiments with different line-ups for every set. The team started with Roann and Kasia setting, Elina and Anna (capitan) as outside hitter, Joana and Mihri as middle players and Bethan playing in libero position.

The first set began and finished with the strong Cambridge domination being the result of lack of weaknesses and mistakes as well as solid serving. The success was repeated in the second and the third set, with excellent and consistence presence of the new players on the court: Dorle(opposite) and Kate (outside). Cambridge won the match: 25:9; 25:15; 25-17

MVP *Joana Santos (Seixas)*