National Secondary Schools Beach Volleyball Champs

Our two pairs at the National Secondary Schools’ Beach Volleyball Championships enjoyed an excellent weekend at Mount Maunganui.

Conor Goodwin and Sam Hills played in the junior boys’ division for Year 10 and 11 students. They had a strong opening day with four wins in straight sets. Their best match was a tough contest against a Bethlehem College team where the boys served well and produced some impressive attacking play.

Olivia Goodwin and Mollie Allison were competing in the senior girls’ division for Year 12 and 13 students. Mollie is a Year 11 student but they had to play up in the top grade as Olivia is in Year 12. They had a tough pool with three other strong teams. They won their pool with three impressive 2-0 wins. Their win against Rangitoto was an outstanding effort with strong, controlled and consistent volleyball and an excellent game plan.

Both teams qualified for the top 16 knockout matches on day two. Our boys played an Otumoetai pair with the winner advancing to the quarter finals. Conor and Sam lost 16-18 12-15 but it was a very close contest all the way with the Matamata boys leading at stages in both sets. The boys ended up in 13th place out of 39 teams in the Junior Boys’ grade which was an excellent result.

Olivia and Mollie’s opening match of day two was against a Mount Maunganui pair. The Matamata girls won a tight contest 2-0 in an impressive all round effort. Their attacking game had some outstanding moments and it was an enjoyable match to watch. In the quarter finals the girls lost to the top seeds from Westlake Girls’ High School. The girls played well but could not match the attacking skill of their opponents. Olivia and Mollie finished in 5th place from 50 teams in the Senior Girls’ division. This is an outstanding result as the girls will be back next year aiming to progress further in the event.

Congratulations to both teams on their hard work and fine results.

Photos are a huge Thank you to Julie Maree Photography, Volleyball New Zealand Photographer.

Main Image: Conor Goodwin in Action

First pic: Sam Hills on Attack

Second Pic: Mollie Allison Passing

Third Pic: Olivia Goodwin Passing