NULC mixed volleyball team wins National Knock out Cup

After a long season of training NULC mixed team faced Middlesbrough in the National Knock out Cup.

All the players were eager to play but only six  were allowed on court. NULC started with a strong serve and built up a small lead. This set the tone for the whole game as Middlesbrough were always chasing the score.

 

Within the first set Rich James served and spiked the ball well from some good controlled setting from Olivia Burton. Rosie Barley playing opposite Oliva provided balance within the team spiking well and taking control when needed. Pieter Drijfhout playing out in the wing passed the ball well and also spiked well when asked. The first set finished with a comfortable gap to NULC.

 

In the second set Evan Morris and Will Richardson played really well to further assert the dominance from NULC. Flashes of good play from Middlesbrough earned then some well-deserved points however the play from NULC always ensured a healthy point lead between the teams.

 

In the last set serving from Zara Lovatt and setting from Kate Jones saw out the game and completed a 3-0. The usual middle play that has been really effective throughout the season never really took off however when asked Zakk Hadgett and Georgina Reah blocked really well and hit some winning points. Evan Morris was really impressive that he earned most valuable player from both NULC coaches. However the MVP trophy was split between both Zakk Hadgett and Olivia Burton.  

It was a deserving trophy to pick up for the team, who have trained well all year and Will Richardson who captained the team in his last opportunity.

 

Said NULC Academy of Sport manager Trevor Humphreys: "This has been a remarkable season for NULC sport. Not only is our mixed volleyball team top in the country, our men’s basketball and volleyball teams and the women's cross country team are all national champions. And we have won several regional titles too. So, if you like sport, no matter what level, then our fantastic facilities and dedicated staff mean NULC is your college of first choice.”

 

NULC Sports Academy programmes include football, basketball, netball, athletics/ endurance, rugby, volleyball and the Ian Woosnam Golf Academy which are centred at NULC's Gordon Banks Sports Centre. The college was West Midlands Sports College of the year in 2012 and 2014 and was rated by Ofsted as "outstanding" for sports, leisure and recreation.

 

To find out more about sport at NULC, please visit: www.nulc.ac.uk/sport-academy.