At the conclusion of day 3 of the Munchee National Volleyball Novices Championships, Sarath Gems and New Star reserved their spots in the finals in the men’s draw while Air Force and Boyagama Siriparakum SC set a date in the women’s draw from the Novices category.
Men’s Novices
Wasana Bakers edged past Madampe New Six by three sets to two to book their place in the semifinals, while Sarath Gems beat the Army Vijayaba team by three sets to one to enter the semis.
Wasana took an early and commanding lead in the semifinals as they raced to a two set lead winning 25-12, 25-20 respectively. Despite the majority anticipating a straight set win, the Sarath Gems lads came into the tie winning the third 25-23.
Even with the slight momentum shift many expected an easy win in the fourth set for Wasana Bakers. Yet again Sarath Gems sprung a surprise as they took a closely contested fourth 28-26 to level the match up at 2 sets a piece. The fifth and deciding set went the Sarath Gems men as they used the momentum shift in their favor win the fifth 15-13.
The second semi saw Vivekananda Sports Club take on New Star SC. Vivekananda were given a walkover to the semifinals while Red Star fought hard against the Army Singha SC in three sets to two win, to enter the semis.
Vivekananda took an early lead in their quarterfinal taking the first set 25-24. Despite showing signs of fatigue after their morning clash, Red star managed to carry on with a steady pace came back to strongly to win the 2nd set 25-21.
New Star gathered pace from the 2nd set win as they managed to win the 3rd and 4th sets by 25-17, 25-18 respectively. Few key mistakes made by Vivekananda during pivotal moments aided in New Star coming back after a set down.
Results
- Quarter-finals
Rathnapura Sarath Gems SC vs Army Vijayaba SC (3-1 Sarath Gems)
Madampe New Six SC vs Wasana Bakers SC (3:2 Wasana Bakers)
New Star A Galgamuwa, Boyagana vs Sri Lanka Army Singha Regiment (3:2 New Star)
Sri Lanka Air Force vs Wewassa Vivekananda SC (Walk over – Vivekananda)
- Semi-finals
Wasana Bakers 25/15, 25/20, 23/25, 26/28, 13/15 Sarath Gems (3:2 Sarath Gems)
Vivekananda SC 25/24, 21/25, 17/25, 18/25 New Star SC (3:1 New Star)
Women’s Novices
The Sri Lanka Air Force dominated set one as they bagged it with ease despite a decent showing by Casual Line 25-22. The second set was no different as Air Force cruised to a double set advantage by 25-11.
Casual Line showed some mettle in the third taking the game to a fourth set as they won it by 13-25. However, the fourth set went to the Air women as they secured their semifinal spot with a 25-19 score.
Siriparakum women surrendered the first set by 25-20. Nevertheless, they bounced backed in emphatic style to take the 2nd 3rd and 4th sets by 25-17, 25-13, 25-13 to win the tie in four sets.
November 26th will be finals (Super League and Novices) day as the games will be hosted at the Maharagama Youth Services Indoor Stadium and the Hon. President will be present for the prize giving ceremony.
Results
- Quarter-finals
Air Force vs MAS Linia Sports Club (3:2 Air Force)
Siriparakum SC vs Sri Lanka Army (3:1 Siriparakum)
Sri Lanka Army vs Casual Line (3:2 Casual Line)
- Semi-final
Air Force 25/22, 25/11, 13/25, 25/19 Casual Line (3:1 Air Force)
Siriparakum SC 20/25, 25/17, 25/13, 25/13 Army SC (3:1 Siriparakum)
