Game 4 v Italy – Match Report

Abu Dhabi International Women’s Volleyball Tournament
Australia v Italy
May 25, 2008

Set 1 – 20-25
Set 2 – 11-25
Set 3 – 13-25

Set 1
Maycock, Peacock, Rourke, Mowen, Brammer, West, Brett (L)

Australia start well in this their last pool match. Good position in defence allows them to continue the play from the Italian attack, whilst it’s the Italians that look a bit uneasy in their play. The teams trade side outs up to the first technical time out, where Australia lead 8-7. The Aussies have definately lifted their game for this match, as their defence is keeping the ball alive and an awesome shut down block by Mowen gives them 9 points to Italy’s 8. Scores remained tied up as both Brammer and Rourke hit the stats page with a kill each, score now 11-11. Not giving up the fight, a great kill block to West keeps them in the game, after the Italians have snuck away with a 2 point advantage. West with the C quick kill gives Australia 13 points, but it is the Italian’s that now lead 16-13 at the second technical time out. The other thing helping the Australian’s in this game is the very loud and vocal crowd, banging their drums and tamborines, cheering for every point played by both teams. A huge difference to the previous atmosphere the girls have played in. The Italian’s now lead by 3 points, up 19-16, as each Australian player is stepping up to win points for their team. Peacock with a kill from the backrow and Rourke with stuff block on the overpass spike by the Italians. Australia calls for a time out at 17-22 down. The big improvement this game is definately the defence, but a few unforced errors start to creep into the Australian’s attack, as the the Italian’s take the first set 25-20.

Set 2
Maycock, Peacock, Rourke, Mowen, Brammer, West, Brett (L)

Australia out to an early lead in the second set, up 3-1. Thanks to Rourke’s power hit outside, the Aussie’s maintain the lead now 6-4. An ace to Peacock and they lead 7-4. A great slide hit from West, but just too long on the side line, the Italian’s edge their way back in. Another kill to Rourke, this time down the line, HUGE, and its Australia that lead 8-6 at the first technical time out. Again, it’s simple errors that creep into the Australian’s games, in their passing and hitting, as the Italians get to 10-8 and Australia calls a time out. A paintbrush kill by West stops the run of Italian points, Australia 9-13 down. Italian’s still in control though, as the Aussie’s passing is struggling. The Italian’s lead 16-9 at the technical time out. Down 18-9, Jenny Day subs in from Brammer. The Australian’s confidence seems low now, the crowd is quiet. Down 11-22, Louise Bates subs in for Rourke. Better play now from the Australian’s but its the Italians that are still in control, they win the second set 25-11.

Set 3
Bertolacci, Watt, Day, Rourke, Bates, Lealamanua, Brett (L)

Not looking as strong as they did in the previous sets, the Australian’s still manage to keep in touch with the Italians, who lead 8-5 at the technical time out. A kill to Day and Rourke have been the highlights so far, and now Day with another kill from 4 after the break in play. Australia down 6-8. The Italian serve and attack is too strong for the Australian’s as the opposition jump away to an 8 point lead, 16-8 at the technical time out. Another 3 points to Australia’s 1 sees the Italians in command at 19-10. Anna Maycock subs in for Bertolacci. Kill from Rourke gives Australia the side out, but the Italian’s win it back on an Australian attack error. Coach Amanda Fielding calls a time out 11-22 down. Side out the the Australians and a hitting error from the Italians, gives Australia 13-22. Service error Australia and Tara West subs in for Watt. A stuff block to the Italians gives them the set 25-13 and the match. Australia will now play France for 9th/10th place tomorrow, Monday 26th, 11am UAE time (5pm AEST).