Women’s Match Report: Mahindra Australian Volleyball Super League
Venue: Netball Central, Homebush, Sydney NSW
Teams: Canberra Heat vs. NSW Phoenix
Result: Canberra Heat won 3-2 over NSW Phoenix
Set Scores: 18-15, 7-18, 18-9, 18-17,

Round 1 team: 6. Holly Uren, 2. Amanda Uren, 3. Chloe Walker, 5. Kimberley Vogel, 7. Jaiha Birkett, 8. Annie Reeson, 9. Chelsea Dubridge, 10. Kayla Cantrill, 14. Khiani Garton-Dodd & 16. Mali Towers.

Set 1: A Tight Battle

The first set was a nail-biter with both team’s neck and neck. NSW Phoenix utilized Gibbons effectively, while Canberra Heat’s middles caused trouble for the NSW block. In the end, some stellar serves and brave attacks clinched the set for Canberra Heat, 18-15.

Set 2: NSW Phoenix Dominates

NSW Phoenix came back with a vengeance, dominating the second set 18-7. Holly Uren and Jaiha Birkett were the only ones to score for Canberra Heat, as NSW took control.

Set 3: Canberra Heat Strikes Back

Canberra Heat bounced back in the third set, breaking NSW’s early lead and winning 18-9. Strong serves and blocks were key, with Birkett and Uren leading the charge, supported by Dodd and Walker.

Set 4: The Nail-Biter

The fourth set was the definition of a nail-biter. Both teams fought fiercely, with NSW managing a few breaks, only for Heat to fight back immediately. At 17-all, Uren delivered a brilliant fast swing down the line to take the set 18-17.

Set 5: High-Risk Play

NSW Phoenix opted for a high-risk strategy in the fifth set, which suited some of their players’ styles. Despite Khiani Dodd’s efforts to pull points back for Heat, Phoenix took the set 18-14.

Summary: Moments of Brilliance

Both teams showcased moments of brilliance, with two sets that could have gone either way. Ultimately, Canberra Heat emerged victorious, earning 6 points on the ladder, while NSW Phoenix finished with 5 points.