Volleyball: National Leagues - Vel wins on debut with Racing Club |25 March 2015

Several newly formed teams got their first taste of league volleyball at the weekend, while Ricky Vel made a victorious debut for Racing Club.

Ricky Vel performed exceptionally for defending league champions Beau Vallon last year to be named the best player of the year, but he surprised many when he decided to jump ship to the less fancied Racing Club side.

His league debut for his new side ended in an encouraging result though as they defeated Anse Royale 3-1 (25-20, 26-24, 22-25, 25-16) in the Space 95 division one league.

“The game was quite good and it has enabled us to identify the key areas that need to be improved upon ahead of our big game this coming weekend,” Vel told Sports Nation.

The game in question is of course their contest against Premium Spikers this Saturday at the Palais des Sports.

“I think we have a very good squad and with more work I am sure the fans will see a few surprises from us this season,” added the former professional player.

Surely the challenge of facing a good Spikers side will be tough, but with the experience of Vel and other additions to the team, Racing Club have every reason to be optimistic about their chances.

Meanwhile, there were also matches in the women’s and men’s Kokonet second division leagues.
In the women’s second division, Perseverance’s first league game came against an established Mont Fleuri side and it ended in defeat. Mont Fleuri were victorious after 52 minutes with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-9, 25-7) win.

La Digue Youth also played their first game and they also left the venue empty-handed, losing 0-3 (13-25, 20-25, 17-25) against last year’s champions Island Girls. Anse Aux Pins Sisters did not fare any better in the first game as they lost 1-3 (9-25, 25-15, 20-25, 9-25) against Port Glaud.

In the men’s bottom division, Air Waves walked over Constance Ephelia who are new in the league. Outsiders whitewashed St Louis 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-15) and Juniors came from two sets down to make sure Anse Aux Pins experience a losing debut by edging them 3-2 (23-25, 16-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-6)

S. N.