York Falcons top the league

Match report

York Falcons began their National League Volleyball Division Three North season with two convincing 3-1 victories over Hull Thunder and Wirral Wasps at the weekend.

The Falcons came into the season on the back of a third place finish in the division last season and made the perfect start as they look for their first ever National League promotion. Coach Jack Deaton's side were bolstered by two new signings involved in the match day squad as well as being led by new captain Shontelle Yearwood.

The first game saw the promotion favourites take on host team Hull Thunder in a Yorkshire derby. The Falcons surged to an early lead and took the first two sets in comfortable fashion thanks to great defensive work from libero Paula Coloma and great hitting from Laura Robson and Valentine Lacour. The third set saw the visitors take the foot off the gas and drop a set before powering through in the fourth set to take the match 3-1 with Yearwood spearheading the attack.

Hull Thunder 1-3 York Falcons (20-25, 18-25, 25-21, 20-25). MVP- Shontelle Yearwood.

The second game proved to be just as tough for York who once again looked to overpower their opponents with some strong hitting and great defending. Wirral Wasps were their opposition as the Falcons asserted their dominance from the off taking the first two sets in impressive style thanks to great defence from Michaela Kalinova and some efficient hitting from Izabela Sobczyk, winning the second set 25-9. The third set, as in the first match, proved much more difficult as York began to tire due to playing two games in a row and dropped their level, dropping a set in the process. In the fourth set the Falcons found themselves in a perilous position at 17-22 behind and with a fifth set looming. However consistent serving from Robson saw the York claw back the points and eventually take the set.

York Falcons 3-1 Wirral Wasps (25-17, 25-9, 25-27, 26-24) MVP Izabela Sobczyk.