The Team played their hearts out and put together an awesome performance against a very good team. The first set was close all the way with only a 1 point difference all along the way but we prevailed with strong blocking and attack when it counted (25-22).

Second set was well controlled and very similar with us pulling away at the end to win 25-21. The third set was super until the end - I think we had a 19-13 lead and we let it get away. Part of the problem was getting used to finalizing the execution, losing focus after thinking the match was won and much was the good play of Albania who got some critical blocks and attacks at the right time. They came back to win 25-23.

The 4th set was a character builder - we got down 2-4 early but rallied back to tie the game at 19-19 and again pulled away on great attacks by Janine Sandell and a crucial block by Rachel Bragg.

Lucy Wicks was special today as it was her first big match in a long while because of her recovery from the ankle injury. Also starting where middles Nicky Osborne and Stacy O'Conner, libero Maria Bertelli and Power Rachel Laybourne.

Coming off the bench were Jo Morgan, Jen Thom and Jen Taylor. Dressed but did not play was Lizzie Reid and Grace Carter. Player of the match was Janine Sandell. Bottom line was that it was a strong team effort. We were anchored by the passing of Maria Bertelli.

It was taped by Sky TV and should be sired sometime in the short future - sorry I don't know when.

Next match is on Sunday in Albania and it will be tough - we have to win at least two sets to qualify so we will have to play very well. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

Statistics:
Janine Sandell 26 kills in 48 attempts + 2 blocks, Rachel Bragg 13 kills, 1 block, Rachel Laybourne, 6 kills, Nicky Osborne 6 kills + 3 blocks and Stacey O'Conner with 6 kills and 2 blocks + 1 service ace. Maria Bertelli = 2.70 passing (this is exceptional).

May 3, 2008
Tonight the GBR Team played a better match with steady attack which allowed us to control Denmark for 3 straight sets. Scores were 25-19, 25-16 and 25-20. It was a better match than on Thursday because we had a more positive attack and our players held their composure on the court better. Playing at home and playing in a great environment (which was to duplicate the site when we play Albania next week) at EIS were all new to our athletes. Stress is a mighty force that has to be learned gradually.

Our players, today, handled themselves quite well. We can still play at a higher level which we will have to do to defeat Albania.

May 1, 2008
Last night our GB Women's Team defeated Denmark 3-1 with scores of 25-19, 21-25, 25-21, 25-18. All players saw action in the match with Jenn Thom (PH), Maria Bertelli (Libero) and Lucy Wicks (Setter) playing well throughout.

However, we had moments where we lacked confidence on the court but managed to find solutions to our problems. The total bench was very important in assisting us when we had down times during the match. Attack was poor but more individual mistakes. Blocking was excellent with 12 and serving helped us to disrupt Denmark and their attack (14 aces).

It is good to start to play and we need it to prepare for Albania. We still lack consistency within our skills and the confidence to play throughout the whole match. I think we will only get better as we go forward. The team is stronger now physically and our player depth for 'choices' to play on the court is very competitive within the squad.