Heat Women Take the Venom out of the Vipers

Canberra Heat Women bounced back from a tough road trip in round 1 to record an impressive 3-2 victory over the Melbourne Vipers on a chilly night in Canberra in the Scape Australian Volleyball Super League.

Canberra started on fire, jumping to a 9-5 lead early in the opening set after strong serving from Chole Walker and excellent attack from Jaiha Birkett through the middle. The Vipers fought back to lead by one rally point but the Heat pulled away again to claim the first set 18-15.

POWERPLAYS proved to be a game changer in the second set as both coaches called them simultaneously. With double points available for both sides, it was the Heat’s in-game 2-to-1 powerplay victory that shifted the balance for the set, allowing them to claim the second 18-11 and take a 2-0 lead.

Experienced Viper Louise Bates took control of the third set, with some excellent setting to power hitters Jemma Stokes and Mikayla Adams (who scored 12 and 11 points respectively for the night), helping the Vipers back into the match by claiming the set 8-18.

With the game in the balance and scores locked at 10-a-piece in the fourth set, the Viper and Heat coaches Karly Lim and Sue Jenkins called Power Plays at the same time again. For the second time in the match the Heat were able to gain the advantage 2-1, and close out the set 18-15.

While the Heat had a 3-1 lead both teams fought hard in the fifth set in a sideout battle, Melbourne eventually wining 18-17 in the fifth to claim the set and bonus points, while the Heat take the 3-2 win. Heat were lead by opposite Kim Vogel who top scored with 13 points, while Holly Mallet scored 12 in an impressive display.