Sport / Women’s volleyball team celebrate victory in maiden league outing
SHETLAND women’s volleyball team won their first ever National League fixture on the mainland over the weekend – despite extensive travel disruption.
The team made their bow in the division with a win over Kelvin Valley in Glasgow, before succumbing to defeat against Panthers.
Weekend weather disruptions and travel delays meant the team arrived in Glasgow short of a few team-mates, but managed to overcome that to earn their first win.
The opening set against Kelvin Valley saw both teams trying to find their rhythm on court. Strong blocking from Alice Parkinson helped pile on the pressure on Kelvin Valley.
Consistent defensive pickups kept the rallies alive, and Fiona Shearer’s accurate passing set up Keira Tulloch for several well-placed attacks over the net.
The set remained point-for-point until Shetland edged ahead to take it 25–23.
Shetland came out strong in the second set, with Michaela Christie powering through the opposition defence with powerful hitting.
With Parkinson and Christie forming a solid blocking partnership at the net, Shetland managed to close off much of the court and gain momentum.
Although Kelvin Valley kept the scoreline tight early on, Shetland’s composure and consistency paid off as they pulled ahead to secure the second set 25–13.
The third set started evenly, with both sides battling for control, but Tulloch, Shearer and Christie communicated effectively to ensure no ball went uncontested.
Caitlin Munro delivered some clever attacks from the middle, catching the opposition off guard.
Tulloch then produced a strong run of successful serves, helping Shetland maintain their lead to ultimately claim the final set 25–18 – sealing an impressive 3–0 victory in their National League debut.
Match two followed and Panthers were the next opposition, with Shetland high on confidence.
They gained the opening point, with Tulloch remaining composed and delivering accurate passes to Shetland’s setter.
However, once Panthers settled into their rhythm, they began to exploit gaps in Shetland’s defence.
As Panthers extended their lead, Shetland called a time-out to regroup and refocus.
Although they responded well after the break, the more experienced Panthers maintained control and took the first set 25–16.
The second set began evenly, with both teams trading points. Early momentum gave Shetland a 4–1 lead, prompting Panthers to call an early time-out.
A string of strong serves from Alice Parkinson helped Shetland maintain their advantage, but soon after Panthers’ attacks increased in power and precision.
A block from Tulloch added pressure, and the teams found themselves level at 10–10.
The set remained point-for-point, with Munro delivering deceptive underarm serves that unsettled the opposition. However, despite their strong effort, Shetland narrowly lost the set 25–23.
The third and final set proved to be a tight contest, featuring some brilliant three-touch plays from both sides.
Parkinson’s blocks at the net were a highlight, shutting down several of Panthers’ attacks.
Shetland again took an early lead, with Tulloch and Fiona Shearer committing to every ball and maintaining consistent pressure.
As the score levelled, Shetland called a time-out to reset after a series of quick attacks from Panthers.
Blocks from Munro and Tulloch kept the pressure on, and Tulloch’s powerful serves helped Shetland close the gap late in the set.
Despite that Panthers sealed the match with a well-placed tip over the net, taking the final set 25–21.
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