Volleyball: Croydon Ladies extend winning streak
Battersea's Flaming Six, Richmond College and Lionhearts were all dispatched in straight sets as the new Purley-based side go from strength to strength.
Croydon dealt Richmond a hammering with set scores of 25-4, 25-1, 25-8. Middle hitter Karin Olivier served an astonishing 17 aces in the second set.
Against Lionhearts in East London, Croydon encountered a hostile reception as the result would have a significant outcome on the title race.
The young team took time to settle but ex-professional Rositsa Petrova helped steady the ship with intelligent attacking shots and deft touches. Playmaker Mariana Ganeva distributed the ball excellently throughout and serves from teenage sisters Aneta and Dominika Lopatka put too much pressure on the Lionhearts' passing unit as Croydon secured a vital win in the club's effort to win the league in their first season (25-15, 25-15, 25-7).
The men's team face Peckham's Tuskers this Friday at Croydon Sports Club.
Croydon's Academy, based at Thomas More, saw both boys and girls teams reach the finals of the U15 London Schools competition after winning the South London qualifiers.
They came through tough matches against Hampton College and Christ's School from Kingston and Richmond boroughs to secure top seed status for the finals in Wandsworth after half-term.
Woodcote High School narrowly missed out on qualification which was impressive considering that Croydon VC have only just started running weekly sessions there too.
Club director Emanuel Balsamo said: "We're really pleased with the progress we have made this season. We have extended our junior programme into more Croydon schools and would like to do so further.
"We would like to bring National League Volleyball to Croydon next season so we would welcome any sponsors."
Visit www.croydonvolleyballclub.co.uk for information.
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