Match Report

Oxford W1 vs Cambridge

Date:
03 Nov 2010
Location:
Cambridge
Result:
1-3 (18-25, 25-18, 23-25, 16-25)
MVP:
Becky Siddall
Players:
Players; Hannah Ruddick, Isabel Berwian, Charlotte Morgan, Amy Qin, Jana Orzsaghova, Karolina Lada, Becky Siddall, Sandra Kimberg, Jenny Roberts, Cassie Huntley. Coach; Jon Williams

Comments

On the 3rd of November, the Women’s First team competed in an epic face-off against their arch-enemies of the East: Cambridge. Armed with a plethora of international talent, many of England’s finest Manchesterians, and the elusive Hannah of Poole, Oxford faced Cambridge, ready for victory and marked with the dirt of the Cambridge floor. But alas – Cambridge sported a veritable tower of terror which proved difficult to overcome. The light blues gained a colossal lead by means of an even more colossal three-woman block, and though the first set ended with an impressive comeback by Oxford and strong serving by our tremendous Torontian, Sandra, their effort just wasn’t enough, and Cambridge proved victorious. The second set was a different story – Berwian, light footed and quick, nipped across the court, transforming each pass into delectable set after delectable set, crushed by the formidable outside hitters. The second set was a dream, but, like any dream, it was also fleeting. Though victory had occurred, loss was soon to follow. The wily Cambridge hitters perked up in the third set, challenging the Oxford defense. Jana and Becky responded admirably: though they weren’t so tall (in fact, they’re quite small), they dove across the hall from dirty wall to dirty wall: they’d sprint, they’d dive, they’d jump, they’d fall, and they never once missed the volleyball. Yet, despite these valiant efforts, the third set was seized by Cambridge, and Oxford prepared for their last stand. Like all warriors of all great last stands (except the successful Anglo-Zulu stand of Rorke’s drift, 1879) Oxford fought valiantly, mightily, and unsuccessfully. The final score stood at 17-24, and as the last ball hit the floor, it was clear that Cambridge had persevered.

Report by Charlotte Morgan

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