New-look Forest U18s volleyball side start with double win

A NEW-look New Forest Volleyball U18s girls’ team kicked off the season in superb style, picking up two victories to move to the top of the league table.

The vast majority of last season’s team have left for university, meaning the line-up featured no fewer than four new players making their Southampton & District Volleyball Association (SADVA) debut.

Led by captain Molly Hindell, the girls came out on court understandably daunted about playing in this adult competition. Up first were SADVA veterans, Roke Ladies who have been longstanding competitors in this competition.

First-game nerves were on show in the first set as the New Forest girls struggled to find their feet, losing 12-21. However, having U19 England international Tara King leading the attack boosted their efforts, and the girls came back valiantly in the second set, winning 21-16.

With it all to play for, some great hitting at the net by Ukrainian newcomer Valeriia Menailova helped the Forest girls eventually win the third and final set 15-12 to seal the victory.

The second game was against Salisbury who, like New Forest, comprised mainly newer, less experienced junior players. Thanks to consistent serving, particularly from the new players Moka Melindo, Angel Massarella and Taissia Menailova and some great defensive play from team captain Hindell, Forest won the first set 21-18 and the second 21-14.

Coach Matt King said: “I am delighted at how well the four new players have settled in and how quickly they have adapted to competitive volleyball.”