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Volleyball – Ladies’ 2nd Division

Flyers Depiro II were crowned champions of the Ladies’ 2nd Division category after beating Birkirkara VC 3-2 in a marathon match. Following Birkirkara’s 3-2 win against Paola U/18, both teams were separated by just one point at the top of the Promotion playoffs. After winning one match each against each other during the regular season, Flyers Depiro emerged as winners in the playoffs to be promoted to 1st Division.

Birkirkara VC – Flyers Depiro II 2-3 (25-10, 18-25, 25-22, 20-25, 12-15)
Birkirkara started the title showdown in great fashion, completely overcoming Flyers Depiro II who looked quite unsettled during the first set. With Birkirkara’s Deborah Mallia serving very well, Depiro found it hard to build any attacks, with Birkirkara continuously gaining points through services and attacks. Following a tactical change by Flyers’ coach, Steve Farrugia, Depiro started playing better in the second one, and managed to open a three point lead mainly through Anna Grech. Although Birkirkara’s Ritianne Cassar managed to obtain a number of points for her team, Flyers managed to hold on tight to their advantage, and increase it to seven points by the end of this set. At this point, the third set proved to be quite decisive. Eleanor Aquilina started well for Flyers, helping them open an 8-2 gap, but Nadine Gatt answered back for Birkirkara, with the latter closing in at 20-20. Rosella Spiteri was then on hand for Birkirkara to take the decisive points, and help her team lead 2-1.

Birkirkara continued playing well, especially through the middle with Fleur Azzopardi obtaining some critical points. Flyers however were not over and done with, and continued fighting hard for every point, managing to win this set and take the match to a decisive fifth one. This resulted to be a real nerve battle between these two teams, with Cinzia Fenech and Francesca Soler leading their team mates until a 12-12 score. At this point, two good services and an attack by Cinzia Fenech closed the match and title in Flyers Depiro’s favour.

Referees: Frankie Tanti, Marvic Micallef

Final Standings: Flyers Depiro II 20, Birkirkara VC 17, Paola Hibs U/18 14