Vipers Men Vanquish Pirates

The State Volleyball Centre at Dandenong Stadium in Melbourne proved a welcoming environment for the Vipers in round 4 of the Scape Australian Volleyball Super League, as they defeated the visiting Queensland Pirates 4-1 to effectively secure their place in the top four and in the finals series in Bendigo.

With both sides effectively playing off for a spot in the four, it was the Pirates who made the early running, claiming the first set 13-18. Steve Macdonald made his influence felt at the net for Queensland with some huge blocks and big hits late to deliver the set for his team.

Inspired by a vocal home crowd, the Vipers controlled the rest of the game taking the next four sets 18-13, 18-9, 18-15, and 18-13. Captain Nick Boesten proved inspirational, and Libero Darcy Cox was instrumental in winning some crucial points, but it was Dylan Lucchesi and Paul Sanderson (both having exceptional and consistent seasons so far) with their combined power and control throughout that proved the difference.

With a huge win under their belts the Vipers can now set their sights on the finals series in Bendigo, while the Pirates stare down the barrel of an early exit from the competition during the home or away phase.