Australia v Kazahkstan.

Welcome to the NTU stadium in Taipei city for the second last day of competition. Australia will be playing their last match of the tournament against Kazakhstan to determine places 9th and 10th.

India is 2 sets to one up against the Sri Lankans in their 11th/12th classification match right now. Our match is scheduled for 2pm AEST but might be runner a bit late depending on how this match is going.

Australia and Kazakhstan (KAZ) are starting their official warm up at the net. Australia are wearing their blue uniform, Libero’s are in white. Kaz are in white.
The official warm up at the net has finished.
Starting line up for the Aussies: Orchard, Jensen, Maycock, Rourke, Praski, Bertolacci. Libero: Choat
Orchard to serve. deep serve. Kaz replies with a tip over the block for the point. 0-1
High bump set to Rourke sees it put away mid court. 1-1
Tough serve by Jensen, sees KAZ hit into the net. 2-1
Kaz setter splits the blockers for an easy cross court hit to them. 2-2
rourke tries to mix it up, hits long down the line. 2-3
Kaz setter gives her outside a one on one opportunity who puts it down the line for a kill.
Better pass by the Aussies sets up a quick play behind, Praski tips it over for the point. 3-4
Maycock serves just out. 3-5
Aussie point 4-5
Rourke to serve. Kaz overpass lets Praski push the ball for the point. plus Kaz hit the net…. 5-5
Kaz playing a wide slide for the point. Indecision in the Aussie back court gives Kaz the point. 5-6
Orchard into a double block, not picked up by cover 5-7
Rourke, back court, into double block 5-8.  Kaz lead into the first technical time out
Aussies not able to cover after hit into double block 5-9
Great pass by Rourke, sets up quick middle play with Praski pushing the ball deep into the Kaz court. 9-6
Quick corner ball by KAz, apparently touched off block 6-10
Aussies still unsettled after that call, 6-11
Deep float serves causing the Aussies some problems. Rourke back court hit over a triple block, great scrambling but Orchard hits out down the line 6-12
Slide behind Jensen/Bertolacci comes off hands for point to the Aussies. 7-12
Deep serve by Bertolacci puts pressure on Kaz. They hit wide 8-12
Another deep serve, Rourke needed back court again. hits deep 8-13
Jensen holds the block, Maycock hits cross court for the point. 9-13
Great recovery by Maycock/Jensen after block. ball hit deep for the point. 10-13
Frostick on for Orchard.
Frostick serves into the net 10-14
Maycock hits wide 10-15
Kaz middle has free hit for easy kill. 10-16. Kaz lead into the second technical time out.
Float serve by Kaz, easily passed, set up quick middle play Jensen/Bertolacci for the point. 11-16
Quick reply by Kaz, 11-17
Kaz off hands for the point. 11-18
Frostick flying all over the back court, but not enough 11-19
Jensen is a serving target, but passes well. Middle plays keep the opposition middle true and gives Rourke first one on one opportunity out wide. She puts it away for easy winner.12 – 19
Kaz hit the antennae 13-19
Kaz off hands 13-20
Great slide play by Praski/Bertolacci. long but off hands 14-20
rourke to serve. Great solo block by Frostick 15-20
Rourke jump serve off hands for the winner. 16-20
Kaz cross court spike for a winner. 16-21
Praski reads the play for behind quick ball and produces a great stuff block 17-21
After a long rally, Kaz hit wide down the line. 18-21
Praski jump float pressures Kaz. They hit long 19-21
Frostick takes some pace off the ball, rolls it over the block for a winner. 20-21. KAZ call a time out.
Praski to continue serving. Frostick again reads the attack well. Kaz hit down line in 4 for a point. 20-22
Frostick hits line to get Kaz off guard. Sets up back court smash by Rourke for the point. 21-22
Stuff block Jensen/Maycock equals the score. 22-22. Kaz call second time out.
Serve by Bertolacci pressures Kaz. kaz net violation. 23-22
Great serving by Bertolacci. Short set out wide to Frostick brings an error 23-23
Maycock off hands and the ball lands just out 24-23
Kaz tip over block 24-24
Kaz setter slam dunks second ball for the point 24-25
Coach Manser calls a time out.
Kaz win first set 24-26. Tight pass, Bertolacci attempted to push ball up for Jensen, Kaz tipped back for easy win
KAZ 1 set to Aus 0
Line up for the second set. Frostick, Jensen Maycock, Rourke, Praski, Bertolacci. Libero Choat.
Kaz start off with a tough serve that clips the net. off Jensen’s arms 0-1
Kaz hit through block for point 0-2
Kaz tough serve, dug straight back by Frostick for a point. 1-2
Miscommunications by Aussies 1-3
tip over middle block 1-4
Kaz serve long 2-4
Maycock to serve, Kaz reply with hit over Bertolacci 2-5
Kaz serve into the net. 3-5
Rourke’s serve again applies pressure, but Kaz make easy point with tip over middle player.
Long rally, rourke back court, into double block. 3-7
Another long rally, Kaz hit cross court off the net. 3-8
Kaz lead into the first technical time out.
Frostick off block for the winner 4-8
Praski to serve. Deep jump float, pressures Kaz. Easy ball  back. Jensen runs behind for a slide kill. 5-8
Choat libero on for Maycock , Praski serves into the net.
Bertolacci tries to dump, great block by Jensen, Kaz win point though. 5-10
Frostick tips to cover, Kaz slide behind beats blockers. 5-11
Frostick into double block 5-12.
Coach Manser calls a time out.
Bertolacci/Jensen slide combination, Jensen tips for kill 6-12
Bertolacci continues her deep serving. Long rally, KAz eventually uses back court spiker for kill 6-13
Aus called for middle line violation. 6-14
Frostick splits the block for a kill. 7-14
Frostick to serve. serves long 7-15
Rourke pushed wide, keeps the ball in play. Kaz hits cross court for a winner. 7-16. Kaz lead into second technical time out.
pass error 7-17
Longest rally of the game: Maycock hits cross court to finish it. 8-17
Jensen tough serve, Rourke/Praski double block. Net violation Australia 8-18
Watt on for Praski
Bates on for Bertolacci.
Immediately makes a kill, quick ball through the middle. 9-18
Maycock to serve. Watt, another kill through the middle. 10-18
Another huge rally, 10-19
Difficult pass, set and Rourke hits the ball mid net. 10-2
Kaz serve into the net 11-20
Rourke to serve. kaz hits long 12-20
Rourke again to serve. Hits the net and ball trickles over for the point. 13-20
Rourke serve. long rally again. Kaz hit off hands for point 13-21
Coach Manser calls time out.
Tony, leading the Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi chant tries to get the Aussies going.
Kaz hit off hands for point 13-22
Kaz quick play bamboozling middles. 13-23
Orchard on for Frostick as Coach Manser tries to settle the team.
Watt hits through block for point. 14-23
Jensen nearly forgets to come back on court, leaving Libero Choat to play middle!
Kaz tip again wins easy point 14-24
Kaz setter runs our middles ragged as they take the second set 14-25.
Kaz 2 sets Aus 0
Third set line up: Orchard, Jensen, Maycock, Rourke, Watt, Bertolacci. Libero Choat.
Orchard hits Kaz Libero on her serve. 1-0
Aussies starting to read the play shots better, but ball gets through block 1-1
Rourke gets a nice high ball and puts it away down the line. 2-1
Kaz hit long and it must have just hit the line 2-2
Kaz cross court hit for the point. 2-3
Kaz hit for point 2-4
Kaz serve into the net 3-4
Maycock to serve. Kaz set high ball outside, they hit over Bertolacci for the kill. 3-5
Kaz hit long and wide 4-5
Aus off hands for kill 5-5
Rourke jump serve again troubles Kaz. They reply with roll shot for win. 5-6
Bates on Bertolacci off
Kaz touch top of net 6-6
Watt to serve. Orchard there for solo block, kaz carry the ball. 7-6
Kaz hitting too good, 7-7
Kaz serve long 8-7
Australia lead into the 1st technical time out.
Rourke off for Libero: Choat
Bates serve makes it tough for Kaz. They rally and hit off hands 8-8
Maycock/Bates split the block for kill 9-8
Orchard to serve. Quick play again beats Aussie blockers 9-9
Kaz hit around block 9-10
Kaz hit line 9-11
Maycock tries to smash through a double block 9-12
Coach Manser calls time out.
Kaz serve long after time out. Point to Coach Manser! 10-12
kaz reply with deep cross court smash 10-13
Combination play again gets past Aussie block 10-14
Rourke given high ball outside, she puts it away for easy winner. 11-14
Maycock to serve. Kaz combination play again wins point. 11-15
Short serve by Kaz puts Aussies under pressure. Maycock hits mid net. 11-16
Kaz lead into second technical time out.
Two Aussies go for same ball 11-17
Kaz tries a short serve….too short 12-17
Rourke serve sets up overpass and paradise ball for Watt to put away 13-17
Rourke serves out deep. 13-18
Orchard tries to tip short set, kaz reply with over the block hit 13-19
Orchard swings at wide ball, hits off block and out the other side for the point 14-19
Kaz tip over block for winner. 14-20
Ross libero’s on, sets up slide play between Bates and Jensen. Point Australia 15-20
kaz hit down the line 15-21
Maycock hits off block 16-21
Orchard tough serve sets up overpass, Rourke puts away the paradise ball. 17-21
Kaz hit wide as Orchard continues to pressure with tough serve. 18-21
Orchard makes great saving pass, ball up for Rourke who smashes it away down the line. 19-21
Kaz call time out.
Orchard tries for a little too much on serve, and pushes it deep. 19-22
Bates/Jensen dont connect 19-23
Kaz serve into the net. 20-23
Jensen to serve. Rourke in 2, stuff block on Kaz 21-23
Quick ball by Kaz around Watt in the middle. 24-21
Ace serve by Kaz. 25-21
Kaz win 3-0

 

Day 12

Today started with an 8am breakkie on the official tournament rest day. No matches were scheduled for any teams so longer training timeslots were available.

We had a solid session at 11.30 in preparation for tomorrows match v India and ate lunch afterward back at the hotel. We had a video session to have a look at India and start preparing for the game style we’ll be facing.

We had the arvo free and some if the girls hit up a local sports store and stocked up on shoes and other training gear. When they got back to the hotel and showed the rest of the team their bargains some of the other girls decided to join in on the trend and headed off to the same shop, but one taxi driver was better than the other and Batesy and Choaty never actually made it to the right shop! Nevermind, always an adventure.

We all met in town nearby where we stayed for the first few days of our trip and ate dinner, which was a popular change from the buffet.

Many of the girls relaxed in the evening with a movie on the projector.

Pumped for tomorrows game!

Asian Championship 2011 – Match 5 – AUS vs IND

Welcome to Australia’s 5th match of the tournament against India. The winner of this match will go on and play Kazahkstan tomorrow for the 9th position. The loser plays off against Sri Lanka for the 11th position.

The match is scheduled for 2.30pm AEST. The Indian team are on court going through their stretching exercises. We will see the Aussies out there shortly.

Game v India. Smallest crowd attendance so far.
Starting line up: Orchard, Jensen, Maycock, Rourke, Praski, Bertolacci. Libero: Choat
Orchard is given the instruction to serve to 5. Starts the game with an unplayable serve. Aus lead 1-0
India cross court hit, chased out of court by Rourke who nearly flattened the ball boys!
Rourke hits out 1-2
Great pass by Orchard, middle set to double block 1-3
Overpass by ROuke, smashed back at Aussies 1-4
Bertolacci splits the block with ball to 2 and Maycock. Aussies back on track 2-4
India tools off Praski 2-5
Ross.E. makes a great pass. Rourke to a double block is shut out. 2-6
Praski kills an overpass 3-6
Maycock to serve. Instruction is to 5. Puts the pressure on India. Rourke puts the outside ball away for a winner 4-6
Maycock serve again pressures India receivers. Rourke shuts out overpass. 5-6
Massive Stuff block by Praski 6-6
India hits around Praski and out. 7-6 OOps it was in. 6-7
India tip wide 7-7
Rouke jump serve puts india under pressure. Orchard off hands keeps the ball in play. India hit into the net trying to avoid the Aussie block. Australia lead into the first technical time out 8-7
Rourke to continue serving. Good pass by India but better pick up by Ross. India find the seam on our block 8-8
Ross pass sets up back court play to Rourke who puts it away for a winner.
Praski serves line, India hit line for a winner. 9-9
Choat on for Praski.
Miscommunication on the quick ball between Bertolacci and Jensen 9-10
Rourke great pass, Jensen runs the dummy and Orchard hits. But india find the floor our our side.
Maycock shank 9-12
Coach Manser calls a time out
Orchard finds hands to hit off 10-12
Bertolacci to serve. India hit line for an off arm winner. 10-13
Choat pass, Bertolacci sets high to Maycock, who puts it away for a winner. 11-13
Orchard serves, India under pressure. They hit the antennae 12-13
Orchard serves long 12-14
Rourke given a high ball close and puts it away for the kill 13-14
Jensen serves line to line. Praski jump sets, Aussies scrambling but India tip for an win 13-15
Rourke into block, off hands for a winner. 14-15
Bertolacci off, Bates on.
Maycock serve putting pressure on India. They hit out 15-15
Praski kill block 16-15. Australia lead into the 2nd technical time out 16-15.
Maycock continues to serve. India run a combination play, ball lands in just in front of Ross. 16-16
Great pass by Ross, fantastic set by Bates, Rourke hits high and over the block for a kill mid court. 17-16
India into hands and out for their point 17-17
Ross with inventive style sets the ball up for play. Ball touched off block for India 17-18
Australia not able to put the ball away, India wins point 17-19
Orchard off, Frostick on
India dump middle for an easy win 17-20
Aussies fooled by combination play 17-21
Coach Manser calls second time out.
Rourke puts away back court ball. 18-21
Blockers not getting to quick play 18-22
Jensen tips low ball wide 18-23
Rourke makes back court spike count 19-23
Bates to serve. India hits wide 20-23
INdia call time out
Bates to continue to serve.Maycock attempts the dump. India take out the net. Point Aus 21-23
INdia not liking the pressure. Hit into the antennae. India call second time out.
Bates continues to put pressure on India receivers. They hit wide. 23-23
Bates serves out 23-24

India ace serve for the set 23-25
Second set: Line up Frostick, Jensen, Maycock, rourke, Praski, Bates, Libero: Choat
India win the first point hitting through the seam of the block between Jensen and Rourke 0-1
Rourke saves a short ball and puts away a winner. 1-1
Jensen serves putting pressure on India. Bates/Praski combination take the point. 2-1
Stuff block by Maycock. 3-1
Jensen continues with the tough serves. India hit off block for the point. 3-2
Praski/Bates combination doesn’t work 3-3
Frostick pass too close to save 3-4
Maycock tries to hit off block on a close set. 3-5
Aussies leave a deep serve 3-6
Bertolacci on/Bates off
Aussies go to the go to girl, Rourke puts the ball away for a win 4-6

Aussies scrambling but not winning the point. 4-7
Praski/Bertolacci slide puts pressure on INdia 6-7
Rourke Ace serve 6-7. There’s a credit.
Two serves, two aces. (That’s a hunge) 7-7
Third serve too deep. 7-8.  India lead into the first technical time out 7-8
Frostick off hands for the kill. 8-8
Praski to serve. Jensen kill block.9-8
Praski jump float puts pressure on the Indian. Bertolacci/Jensen stuff block 10-8

India hit cross court for point 10-9
India hit out 11-9
Bertolacci serves, Maycock leaves the line and India take it for the point. 11-10
Tough cross court serve, Maycock pass error. 11-11
Bertolacci sets Frostick in 2, splitting the block. Frostick puts ball away down the line. 12-11
Frostick serves out 12-12
India off hands for tip win 12-13
Maycock hits cross court for the winner 13-13
Jensen to serve. India into Maycock/Praski block and out. 13-14
INdia serving error 14-14
Praski tips the slide for a winner 15-14
Praski stuff block 16-14. Australia lead into the second technical time out.
India combination play takes the point. 16-15
Bertolacci splits the blockers for Rourke to put away an easy kill. 17-15
India hits around Praski 17-16
Block by Bertolacci/Praski. 18-16
Praski float serve is good, but India front court setter slams down an easy dump. 18-17
Aus serve receive error. 18-18
Ref calls 4 hits on Aussies. 18-19
India serve hits the net and rolls over. 18-20
Aussies not scrambling too well. Coach Manser calls time out 18-21
ross ignores the IN call by Rourke. Ball out by metres. 19-21
Bertolacci set gives Frostick opportunity for roll shot down the line for the winner. 20-21
Bertolacci sets Frostick for the line kill. 21-21
Bertolacci to serve again. Mix up serve puts pressure on India. Frostick tips for a winner. 22-21

India off hands and into the Aus court for a point. 22-22
Great play by the Aussies, cross court winner by Maycock. 23-22
Frostick to serve. Tough serve, shanked by India 24-22
India calls time out.
Frostick to serve for the set.  Deep serve puts the pressure on. Rourke combines with Jensen for block, India rebound hit next ball deep down line. 24-23
Aussies reply with a Rourke kill 25-23
Australia level the game 1 set each.
3rd set sees Watt on for Jensen. Frostick who is playing well stays on.
Frostick, Watt, Maycock, Rourke, Praski, Bertolacci. Libero: Choat.
Frostick serve puts pressure on INdia, who hit out. 1-0
Another great serve by Frostick. Watt reads the block well, Rourke hits short ball into the net. 1-1
Rourke makes up for it by killing the next ball mid court. 2-1
Watt to serve, difficult floater, too difficult for India. 3-1
India combination play beats our blockers 4-2
India serves into the net 4-2
Maycock to serve. Another run around play by India gets past our blockers 4-3
India hit off Rourke down the line 4-4
Bertolacci gives Rourke a sweet ball, who puts it away mid court. 5-4
Rourke to serve. Aussie error 5-5
Ross quick pass, great Bertolacci slide set, put away by Praski.
India hit off hands 6-6
Bertolacci making some great sets, finds Frostick who puts away a cross court winner.
Bertolacci serves into the net. 7-7

Day on for Maycock

Rourke nominated as on court captain.
India serve into the net. Point to the coach!
Australia lead into the first technical time out 8-7
The crowd has multiplied 10 fold.
Frostick to serve.
Great deep float serve. India make setting error 9-7
Frostick to serve again. hits same spot. INdia run a combination play. Watt nearly stops it. 9-8

Ross pass is on the money, Bertolacci sets Watt who hits a mid court winner. 10-8

INdia hit base line 10-9
Aus blocked out10-10
Rourke has two attempts, kills the 2nd. 11-10

Day to serve.

Deep floater, India hit off hands and out the back of court. 11-11
ross pass sets up Bertolacci dump for a winner. 12-11
Rourke to serve. Bertolacci/Praski combine for quick middle play for the point. 13-11
rourke serve knocks India receiver over. Great pick up down the line by Day. Great setting by Bertolacci, Praski just went for too big a hit and hit wide 13-12
Great offensive play by the Aussies, sets Frostick up for down the line winner 14-12
Praski serve into the net 14-13
Frostick another kill 15-13
Bertolacci to serve. India combination play hit long. 16-13 Australia lead into the second technical time out.
Rourke back court hit, hit the net and trickles over for the win. 17-13
Watt blocking well. Ross, the biggest libero ever is playing extremely well. India hit off hands for the win. 17-14
India hit wide but called touched 17-15
Jen Day splits the block for cross court kill 18-15
Frostick tries too hard on the serve and misses to the right. 18-16
Rourke finds the block 18-17
Balls too short and low for Rourke to swing at. India back in the game 18-18
Coach Manser call time out. Great pass, Bertolacci reads the block well sets Day one on one who hits down the line for the kill. 19-18
Praski covers her own block with her foot and keeps the game going, but India win the point 19-19
India hit long 20-19
Australia dont close the gap in the block and India make full use of it. 20-20
Maycock on for Day. rourke steps into the middle to help and stuff blocks 21-20
rourke to serve. Serves long.21-21
Great rally, sees India hit long. 22-21. INdia call time out.
Praski to serve. Short jump float puts pressure on India. Frostick hits off hands for the kill 23-21
Deep float by Praski. India reply finding the seam between Frostick and Watt.
23-22
Set pushed too wide, Frostick can’t save it.
Frostick puts ball away for winner. 24-23
Great blocking by Watt.

Frostick tips for the kill. 25-23
Australia lead 2 sets to 1
Fourth set line up. Frostick, Maycock, Watt, Rourke, Praski, Bertolacci.  Libero Ross
Ordinary pass, Great chase by Bertolacci, Smash cross court by Rourke 1-0
India hit wide 2-0
Great serving by Watt putting pressure on the Indian receivers. INdia hit wide 3-0
Back court tip by Frostick 4-0
Watt serves deep ACE. (That’s a credit)
India call a time out. 5-0
Watt continues to pressure India with her serve. India cross hit, catches Frostick on the line 5-1
Carry by Australia 5-2
Maycock has the line to hit, but misses deep. 5-3
rourke and Bertolacci getting the sets to work. Rourke puts away another winner. 6-3
India hit off hands 6-4
India serve into the net. 7-4
Aussies serve tough, off hands for a winner.  Australia lead into the first technical time out 8-4
Rourke to continue serving. Uses the net to trickle the ball over.  India reply with cross court winner. 8-5
India hit off hands 8-6
Rourke with back court kill 9-6.
Praski jump float change up serve gives us an easy point. 10-6
INDIA hit off hands down the line 10-7
Aussies let an easy ball land mid court. 10-8
India serve hits the net and trickles over. A flying Watt unable to pick it up. 10-9
Maycock passing error 10-10
Coach Manser calls a time out.
Passing line up Ross, Rourke, Frostick. Frostick hits through block for a kill. 11-10
Aussies leave too much line for the Indians. 11-11
All in the net, Ref calls to our favour 12-11
India roll the ball into the middle of the court again for an easy point. 12-12
India serve into the net. 13-12
Great serve by Watt again. Pressuring the Indians. India hits off Rourke’s hands 13-13
Rourke fired up now, hits another mid court winner. 14-13
Maycock to serve, deep floater,…too deep. 14-14 (That’s a fine)
Easy service error by Aussies. Point to India 14-15
Rourke again, the go to girl, 15-15
India hit through Australia block 15-16. India lead into the second technical time out.
Frostick makes the pass on a difficult float serve. Bertolacci sets Praski up for slide kill. 16-16
India hit wide  down the line. 17-16
Frostick tips for a kill. 18-16
Praski jump float serves for a winner 20-16
Praski ACE serve 20-16. (That’s a credit)
India call time out
India make adjustments to get the Praski serve. combination play wins the point. 20-17
Frostick too much angle 20-18
Watt blocking everywhere! then combines with Bertolacci for the kill through the middle. 21-18
India hits cross court off block for a point. 21-19
Great play by Aussies, see Watt hit just out. 21-20
INdia serve out deep 22-19
India through the block 22-21
Rourke on fire – winner cross court 23-21
Watt to serve. Pressures india. India try to break through a Rourke/Praski block but shut down! 24-21
Set point Australia
Bertolacci/Praski combination in the middle see Australia win the 4th set. 25-21

Day 11

Our day started with breakfast, a little time for treatment in the morning and preparation for our third match of the tournament. Our opposition was Sri-Lanka who finished third in their pool. Game time was a little earlier today at 12pm.

We had a relaxed warm up and went into the game confident that we could get our first win in the tournament. The first set saw some scrambling play and both teams took a little while to settle.  The speed of play against Sri-Lanka wasn’t as fast as our previous two matches, but we were able to adjust and play our style of game. We put together a solid performance to win the game 3-0. A straight sets victory being a really positive step forwards against a team like Sri-Lanka.

We stayed after our game to watch Korea vs Vietnam then headed back to the hotel for some rest and dinner. After dinner some of the girls headed to the Night Markets while others went back to the stadium to watch China vs Chinese Taipei. We’ve all been enjoying watching some of the high quality play from some of the stronger teams in the competition.

The tournament rest day is tomorrow, so a more intense training is planned for tomorrow morning, and then some down time in the afternoon.

Rhiza and Choaty

 

Asian Championship 2011 – Match 4 – AUS – SRI

Welcome to Taipei National University stadium for Australia’s second of the round robin matches to decide positions 9-14. We won yesterday match against Turkmenistan by forfeit.

The match will commence in about 35 minutes time at 2pm AEST. Both teams are on court now going through their warm ups.
Official warm up at the net has started. The girls are hitting freely and looking good.
Game Time: Starting line up 1st Set: Orchard, Jensen, Maycock, Rourke, Praski, Bertolacci, Libero Choat
Sri Lanka to serve.
Back court set up to Rourke, who floats out for point to Sri Lanka.

Rourke into the net, 0-2
Sri Lanka serves into the net  1-2
Jensen into the net on serve 1-3
Aussies passing isnt too good. Rourke keeps the ball in play, Aussies tip for a win. Triple block again on Rourke.  Aussie scrambline well in the rally. Rourke off hands for a point. 3-3
Sri Lanka hits around the block for a point 3-4
Bertolacci and Praski combine for kill block. 4-4
Rourke to jump serve. Sri Lanka attempt to tip over Praski, don’t make the net. 5-4
Sri Lanka setter tries to dump , Bertolacci and Praski combine for middle play win. 6-4
Rourke kill serve 7-4
Rourke serve, Bertolacci/Praski block combination play works again for the Aussies. Aussies lead into the first technical time out 8-4
Sri Lanka hit around Bertolacci for a kill down the line. 8-5

Orchard tools the block 9-5
Great pick up Maycock, but Sri Lanka tip for the win. 9-6
Ross on for Rourke. Nails the pass
Orchard hits over block to deep 1. 10-7
Bertolacci to serve.Sri Lanka miscommunication on attack. Easy block for the Aussies. 11-7
Easy serve, sets up combination play by the Sri Lankans 11-8
Block kill to Jensen 12-8
Point to Sir Lanka 12-9
Great passing by Choat, Bertolacci able to give Maycock one on one hitting advantage. Point to Ausies 13-9

Great blocking not giving Sri Lanka a chance 14-9
PRaski/Rouke block kill 15-9

Rourke cross court kill over triple block again. Australia leads into the second technical timeout 16-9
Great cover by Orchard picking up two Sri Lankan attacks. Maycock down the line for a winner 17-9
Short serve by Jensen puts Sri Lanka under pressure. Block kill Australia 18-9. Sri Lanka call a time out.
Jensen to continue erving. Praski all over the setter trying to tip. SRI into the net. 19-9
Sri Lanka off hands 19-10
tough serve, Aussie scramble. SRI hit out deep. 20-10
Bates on for Bertolacci. Congrats on 50th game for Australia!!!!
Ace serve for Maycock 21-10
SRI call 2nd time out.
Australia going too early on the block and not penetrating. Easy wipe off for SRI.
Bates tips, SRI hits into the net 22-11
rourke to serve. Back court hit by SRI over triple block wins the point. 2-12
Maycock makes a great pass, quick play combination between Bates and Praski win the point. 23-12
SRI off hands for point. 23-13
Bates sets Orchard one on one, who hits sharp angle cross court around blocker for the kill 24-13
SRI shank the serve
Australia take out the first set 25-13
Second set line up: Bates on Bertolacci off. Watt on Praski off
Orchard, Jensen, Maycock, Rourke, Watt, Bates. Libero for Watt is Choat
Aussies to Serve. Orchard has the ball.
Combination play by SRI, with third player up hitting the ball 0-1
Bates backsets fooling blockers, Maycock puts away an easy win.1-1
SRI pass into the net 2-1
Scramble play by the Aussies, sees Rourke push ball off hands for a win 3-1
Watt all over the SRI setter. Rourke puts away cross court ball for the win. 4-1
The Aussies are still too early on block giving SRI easy win off hands.

Rourke puts away easy cross court win. 5-2
SRI winner 5-3
Miscommunication between Watt/Bates 5-4
Rourke down the line off hands 6-4
Rourke jump serve off SRI hands for a winner 7-4
SRI float hits for easy pick up, Orchard hits cross court for the winner 8-4
Australia lead into the first technical time out 8-4

SRI cross court hit for a winner 8-5
Bates/Watt combine for point 9-5
Aussies dont form block, SRI easy winner 9-6
Bad pass 9-7
Rourke back court hit but foot on the 3m line 9-8
Aussies struggling with this server. 9-9
Experience of ORchard shows with a team settling down the line winner 10-9
Aussies still struggling with the block, SRI shank easy ball out of court 11-9
Bates to serve. leaves an out ball for point to Aussies. 12-9. SRI call time out
Aussies leaving the line, Bates makes the pick up. but SRI win the point 12-10
Great pass by Choat, sets up the quick middle hit Bates/Jensen combination for the kill 13-10
Great scrambling play by the Aussies, SRI pressured into a setter error. 14-10
Orchard back court spike catches the net 14-11
Triple block on Rourke still not enough. Rourke puts away another winner 15-11
Aussie serving putting pressure on SRI. Watt all over the block, SRI hit net. Aussies lead into 2nd technical time out 16-11
Jensen to continue serving. Block kill combination Watt/Maycock 17-11
Error Australia 17-12
Ross/Maycock miscommunication, SRI point on serve 17-13
Maycock makes the pass, ball slips through Bates hands, point SRI 17-14
SRI jump server giving Aus trouble. 17-15. Coach Manser calls a time out
Great pass by ORchard, scramble play by Aussies, sees Rourke put ball away for another winner.18-15

Watt tips for a winner 19-15. SRI call time out
SRI cross court winner 19-16
SRI serve out deep 20-16
Rourke to serve. SRI tip to middle of court for a winner. 20-17
SRI serve out wide 21-17
Great serve by Watt from 5 to the oppositions 5. Shanked by SRI 22-17
SRI shank 2nd serve by Watt 23-17
SRI cross court hit for the win 23-18
Choat on for Watt.
Off set sees Orchard float ball out back 23-19

Out call by refs 23-20

Great combination Jensen/Bates beats block 24-20
SRI find way around block 24-21
SRI again beat block 24-22
SRI serve into the net.
Australia win the second set 25-22. Australia lead 2 sets to 0
3rd Set Starting line up
Frostick on, Orchard off for a rest.
Frostick, Jensen, Maycock, Rourke, Watt, Bates. Libero Choat
SRI to serve.
SRI into the net to give Aus the early lead 1-0
Great block Maycock/Watt put pressure on SRI. SRI hits into the net next ball. 2-0
Jensen serves out (fine) 2-1
Cross court hit by Rourke, rebounds off SRI and out the back of the Aussie court. 3-1
Maycock serves SRI shanks. 4-1
Block error Aus 4-2
Rourke off hands kill. 5-2
SRI kill 5-3
Great pass by Aussies, set up Bates/Watt kill through the middle. 6-3
Frostick cross court for the winner. 7-3
SRI down the line for a kill. 7-4
Shank on serve by Aussies 7-5
Maycock great pass, Bates tips wide 7-6
SRI into the net 8-6
Australia lead into the 1st technical time out.
Bates serve puts pressure on SRI. Long rally, Maycock hits into hands, Aussies unable to get ball up. 8-7

Day on for Maycock

Day makes immediate impact. Off hands for a winner! 9-7
Great pick up by Bates, Day sets Rourke who finds the block 9-8
Bates/Jensen combination for quick behind play 10-8
Jensen serve puts pressure on SRI. Bates passes to Day who puts second ball away for the winner. 11-8
SRI call time out.
Jensen serve puts pressure on SRI again. Watt reaches for block. SRI point 11-9
Short ball to Rourke, Blockers jumping late get the block 11-10
Ball rolls along net and drops into court on Aussie side. 11-11
Coach Manser calls a time out.
Great pass by Frostick, lets Bates give Rourke one on one block. Rourke hits line for the win. 12-11
SRI get passed block 12-12

Bates makes aggressive dump 13-12
Rourke jump serve gives Aus easy pass. Bates puts ball away for easy point. 14-12
Rourke jump serves for ACE. SRI backing away from the ball.
SRI kill 15-13
Frostick hits line for kill 16-13. Australia lead into the 2nd technical time out.
Watt to serve. SRi hit line to pressure the Aussies. Frostick pushed too far wide takes out the antennae.16-14
Ross pass sets up slide play Jensen/Bates for the kill. 17-14
Frostick solo block kill 18-14
SRI calls time out
Bates serves, SRI shanks. 19-14
SRI combination play beats the Aussie block 19-15

Jensen trickles ball over, SRI tries to take the line, but hit net. 19-15
Frostick to serve, SRI hit off hands for the win. 20-16
Grat Choat pass, sets up Bates set to Day, down the line for the kill. 21-16
Rhi Watt for kill on the ‘C’ 22-16
Too much pressure for SRI, hitting error 23-16
Sri substitution
Wide set by SRI, sees themhit the antennae.
Great scramble play by the Aussies. SRI error. 25-16

Aussies win 3-0

Day 10

After finishing the round games it was time for cross overs and due to Tukmenistan being a no show to the tournament we got our first win on the board with a forfeit. So after a week of trainings and games we had our first day off. We were up for a morning walk and stretch, unfortunately the nice weather decided to leave us on our walk back to the hotel with the whole team getting drenched.

It was then time to met up with the coaches and head to the Taipei 101 Tower (the second tallest building in the world)

We were left to head back in our own time. Some people went onto shop others headed back to the hotel for foot massages. Everyone was back with plenty of time for dinner. After dinner it was team activity time with celebrity heads, minute to win it games (yes 1 minute Choaty as in 1 minute). The coaches got an early lead with nam’s impression of Jeff the wiggle and held onto it leading into the final round which is an infinity photo shoot…America’s next top model style……

It was then time to get ready for a big game against Sri Lanka tomorrow.

Annie May and Rossco

 

Day 9

Today began with early training at the playing venue. After training it was back for second breakfast consisting of bacon, egg and tomato sauce burgers and Starbucks coffees. We had some down time before and after lunch where we prepared in our own ways for the big game against Thailand. After a quick team meeting reiterating our focus for the game, we left for the stadium all very excited to see how we could play against one of Asia’s Olympic hopefuls and last year’s Asian Champs winners.

Our pre-match chat in the change room was supported by our liaison Ray’s street dancing display to Run DMC…..

GAME TIME- The Thailand team came out strongly, and the speed and accuracy of the game was something we were not used to playing against. After some adjustments in blocking and defense, we were now able to start competing by the end of the set, and give us some momentum for the start of the 2^nd set.  The 2^nd and 3^rd sets showed some great fight however the Thailand team proved to be too strong on the day. It was a huge learning experience and a commendable effort by our team, given that we don’t have the luxury of training together every day or facing teams who play that style of game on a regular basis.

After the game, we helped our number one fan Tony celebrate his birthday by sharing a massive chocolate cake with him.  We came back to the hotel, ate dinner then chilled out before bed.

Today was a learning experience but one we will walk away knowing that we have made massive improvements and moving in the right direction.

Love Tarsh and Jen

 

Asian Championship 2011 – Match 2 – AUS vs THA

Both Australia and Thailand are warming up.  The energy from the girls is promising.

The players have done the official walk in, exchanged gifts and are now starting the official warm up.

The crowd is substantially larger than yesterday.  Unfortunately it seems to be pro Thailand! Hopefully the school groups will get behind the Aussies.

The Australian women have just started their hitting warm up.

Thailand now have the court.

The official warm up has now ended. International referees are being introduced.

Starting line up: Orchard, Jensen, Maycock, Rourke, Praski, Bertolacci. Libero: Choat

Orchard to serve. The game has been held up 2 minutes to match the television schedule.

Deep float serve, but Thailand smashes ball cross court inside block.

Rourke hits down line to level 1-1

Jensen serves out trying to go line to line., Thailand serve out deep. 2-2

Maycock serves float to middle of court. Thailand reply with quick middle play and the point. Combination play by the Thai’s bring up another point 4-2. Ace serve 5-2
Rourke puts the ball away cross court for an easy winner. Her jump serve nearly knocks over the Thai receiver but they rally to win the point. 6-3

Thailand hits another quick middle, beating the blockers 7-3

Ross (Libero) on for Jensen. Thailand lead into the 1st technical time out 8-3

Orchrad tips for a near winner. Aussies beaten by the setter’s tip. 9-3

Rourke hits a back court winner but had her foot on the attack line. Thailand 11-3.  Thai serves out deep 11-4

The quick middle combinations continue to give our middle blockers trouble. 12-4

Difficult serve by Thailand 13-4, miscommunication between the Australian girls 14-4

The Australian girls are scrambling well, but just cant get  a play happening.  The Thailand girls are hitting strongly and freely.

Thailand lead into the 2nd technical time out 16-4

Great covering by Orchard and back court winner by Rourke give Australia their 5th point.

Thailand finds the seam on double block 17-5

Another serve out deep by the Thailand team 17-6. Great float serve by Orchard puts pressure on Thailand but they rally and hit off hands 18-6

Great blocking the Australians, but still can’t win a point. 20=6

Maycock tempts the Thai spiker leaving the line, and they hit the net. 20-7

Block error 21-7. Rourke kill 21-8.  The Aussies are still fighting.  They are starting to pick up more of the Thai spikes. 22-8

Overpass give Thailand an easy point. 23-8

Thailand hits out 23-9. Rourke to serve. Praski solo block. 23-10

Thailand hit off hands. 24-10
Thailand serves out deep. 24-11. Praski serves deep. Thailand takes the first set 25-11
Second set: starting line up. Praski is off, Watt on.

Orchard, Jensen, Maycock, Rourke, Watt, Bertolacci. Libero for Watt – Choat.

Aussies start with set with cross court kill from Rourke.
Watt makes a great block, but the Thai’s tip deep for a win.

Thailand serves into the net . Aussies up 2-1
2 great blocks by Watt, but couldn’t finish the third. Watt replies with kill through the middle. Bertolacci giving her a one on one opportunity 3-2
Rourke’s serve putting the Thai’s under pressure. Great blocking. Dump by Bertolacci 5-2
Thai middle attack gets passed our block 5-3.
Thai attack off hands into antennae 5-4
Thai attack finds gap in block 5-5
Change up in attack is working for  the Aussies.
Orchard kill levels score 6-6.
Aussies in right place for block but not penetrating the net, giving Thai easy points.
ORchard tips for kill 7-7
The Australian’s are blocking better, picking the quick attack. Just gave the Thai’s too much line for an easy kill. Thailand lead into the first technical time out 8-7
The Aussies are tipping well. 8-8
Long serve by Orchard 8-9
Thai serve deep but in. 8-10
Difficult serve to ORchard 8-11
Rourke cross court kill 9-11
Quick attack beats our middles.
Maycock replies with a down the line winner.10-12
Great scrambling by the Aussies keep them in the rally. 13-10
Ross screams line, Rourke hits it for a kill. 11-13
Rourke’s jump serve puts pressure on Thailand. They hit out 12-13. Down the line winner to Australia 13-13
Rourke hits and nearly knocks over the Thai libero. 14-13. Thai making subs!
Rourke continues to pound serve at Thai libero. 15-13
Thai hit winner 15-14. Orchard hits out deep 15-15
Middle set to double block, easy pick up for Thailand who tip over middle for a point.  Thailand lead into second technical time out 16-15
Thai float serve troubles Jensen 15-17
Good pass by ORchard sets up the back court attack from Rourke, who puts away another winner.
Bertolacci/Jensen block gets one attack but not the second 16-18
Passing error 16-19, Setting error 20-16
Frostick on for Orchard who comes on and makes an immediate impact. Tips for a near winner, then hits cross court for the winner. 17-20
Thai block on Frostick 17-21
Net touch Australia 17-22
Jensen stuff block 18-22
Thai attack hit antennae 19-22. Some great blocking and scrambling by the Aussies extend the rally, but Thailand finally get through 19-23

Thailand off hands 19-24
Ace serve to finish set 19-25
Service Reception is proving to be a problem for the Australian team.
Third set line up: Frostick is staying on.
Frostick, Maycock, Jensen, Rourke, Watt, Bertolacci. Choat (LIbero) on for Watt.
Frostick to serve. Great serve Line to line, Thai hit line for a winner.
Rourke starts 3rd set with a down the line winner 1-1
Rourke under pressure hits wrong side of net 2-1
Rourke tips around block 3-3
Thailand hits the net trying to block Rourke 4-3
Thailand go for their favourite combination, quick middle followed by back court hit, who hits long 5-3.
Thai down the line winner 5-4

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The internet gremlin has hit again here in Taipei.

We lost the internet connection so here is the rest of set 3 report.

Apology once again to everyone.

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Day on for Maycock.

Australian girls still troubled by Thai serve and quick attack. 9-11

Great connection Bertolacci to Jensen for middle winner 10-11

Thailand hit out down the line 11-11

Frostick to serve, short serve, Thailand hit cross court for a winner 11-12

Difficult serve makes a bad pass. Rourke is screaming for the outside hit 12-11

Overpass gives Thailand the lead 14-11.

Manser calls a time out. Hopefully to steady the players.

Great pass by Frostick as Thai serve hits the nets and just passes over. Rourke makes a rare error by hitting long.

Bertolacci/Jensen combine again for a middle winner 12-15

Jensen serves an Ace 13-15

Aussies give Thailand too much line to hit. 13-16 at the second technical time out.

Frostick makes a good pass, Watt into a double block tries to tip. 13-17

Another good pass by Frostick sets up a kill for Rourke as Bertolacci holds the middle blocker.

Day serves and then charges in to pick up tip. Thai hits a kill.14-18

Rotation error by Thailand gives Australia an easy point 15-18

Rourke to serve. Frostick hits off hands down the line for a winner 16-18

Rourke serve continues to trouble the Thai libero. Bates tips for a winner 17-18

Frostick of hands again 18-18

Thailand calls a time out.

Rourke to serve. Watt blocks, but Thailand find court in deep one for a winner 18-19.

Serve reception error give Thailand easy point. 18-20

Frostick pass sets up a quick play between Bates and Watt. Out hit 18-21

Serve reception error 18-22

Another service reception error 18-23

Coach Manser calls a time out.

Coaches point, Thailand hits the net on serve! 19-23

Watt to serve.

Dig error gives Thailand point 19-24

Interesting digging style by Rourke sets up play. Thailand back court winner ends the set 19-25

Thailand win 3-0

Day 8

Today started with an early breakfast and training at 8. We did a solid serve pass session in preparation for our first game against Vietnam. Looking at our pool, we knew this was an important game as it would move us into the Top 8 should we win.

Lunch, rest, quick team meeting and we were off to the gym. Everyone had their game face on in the bus and you could feel the excitement. We looked great in our new uniforms, and the liberos were very easy to spot sporting the bright yellow strip (Erin also wearing her elbow guards for gazelle like defence).

Warm up went well, things were looking great and this showed in the first set. We had a very strong, consistent start and took the first set convincingly. Knowing the Vietnam team as we do, we knew they would come out firing and we were ready. We started the second set well, and unfortunately had some unforced errors at the wrong times, and Vietnam stayed strong and won a very tight set (although a questionable line call on Heike’s overpass at 23 all was a big blow). Third and fourth were a similar story, playing strong and good looking volleyball however at times consistency falling off a bit and Vietnam always took those opportunities. We stayed with them the whole way, the game was really tight and a good display of Volleyball from both teams and a massive step from the last time we played them in July. Overall some disappointed girls, we wanted that game very badly and now have more confidence in our ability to play that style of volleyball.

Looking forward to game 2 of our pool against reigning Asian Champs Thailand tomorrow at 4pm. For now, off to dinner and rest the legs from a long game.

Loz & Rach.

Asian Championship 2011 – Match 1 – AUS vs VIE

Welcome to Taipei City where the 16th Asian Womens Volleyball Championship is being held.
14 teams around Asia are gathering here for the championship but so far there is no sight of Turkmenistan. Last we heard they were in Thailand awaiting a flight to Taiwan.
The weather is warm and humid here today but we are playing in a fully air conditioned stadium so that should not be a factor.
Kazahkstan and North Korea are playing a very tightly contested match. The North Koreans has just won the 3rd set to edge ahead. There might be a delay to the start of our match (scheduled for 4pm AEST) if this match goes 5 sets.
Vietnam’s coach is still not here in Taipei. He is having visa problems.
Kazahkstan appear to be in trouble. North Korea have a 20-14 lead in the fourth set.
Set score now 23-19, North Korea still ahead.
Kazahkstan save 2 match points. Time out to North Korea, 4th set score 24-21 to North Korea.
North Korea close out the game with a smash through the block.
The Australian girls have taken the court and are preparing to warm up.
Official photographs have been taken and the official warmup has begun.
Official warm up at the net is now taking place.
Serving has started, not long now until the start of the game.
Starting lineup: Orchard, Jensen, Maycock, Rourke, Praski, Bertolacci
Australia to serve
Libero: Choat
Vietnam hits the net trying to block Maycock in 2. Aus 2-1 up
Huge rally, won by Vietnam with a tip over middle block., Scores even 2-2
Great block by Maycock, Aus 3-2
Misunderstanding by front court, levels the score. Vietnam into the net on serve. Scores level 4-4
Rourke’s huge jump serve sets up an easy block for Praski. Rourke nails her second jump serve 6-4
Rourke’s serve continues to give Vietnam problems, Vietnam calls a time out. Aus up 7-4
Praski slide behind, tips for a winner. 8-4. Time out
Rourke to continue to serve. Great blocking by Praski, Stuff block by Orchard. Aus 9-4
Great rally, Rourke closes it out with back court spike, slight miss hit on her serve, Aus 10-5
Praski into the net.
Rourke back court winner. Aus 11-6 Praski jump serve puts pressure on Vietnam, but they tip for a winner. 11-7
Rourke another back court winner.
Bertolacci serve to middle of court and Vietnam runs a quick middle attack for a winner.
12-9 to Aus
Long rally, Vietnam struggling with tall blocks, continue to tip. Orchard tries to find the line.
Middle attack from Jensen comes up with a winner.
Vietnam has a quick reply with a fast middle option.
Rourke with a down the line, off hands winner. Aus up 14-11.
Aus miss block. 14-12
Praski with a ‘C’, hits deep in court. 15-12
Praski with the back set, Rourke hits into the net. 15-13
Orchard with a great pass, sets the dummy run by Praski, Rourke smashes a cross court winner.
Aus lead into the 2nd technical time out 16-13.
Rourke’s jump serve continues to trouble Vietnam. Sets up an easy ball over to Aus. Rourke kills another back court spike.
Vietnam find the hole in the Bertolacci/Praski block. scores 17-14 Aus
Great ‘C’ by Praski, hits a cross court winner.
Vietnam again finds the seam of the block. 18-15
Bertolacci slam dumps to bring the score to 19-15
Pressure from the Bertolacci serve causes Vietnam to hit the antennae. Vietnam call a time out. Score is 20-15 to Australia
Vietnam find the hands of Jensen to take back the serve. Great pass by Orchard sets up a quick for Jensen. 21-16
Jensen misses block and middle ball too high, 21-18. Rourke replies with cross court smash 22-18. Ace serve by Jensen 23-18
Vietnam attempt to tip over Rourke, 24-18. Line ball smash by Vietnam 24-19
Ball hit out by Praski 24-20
Vietnam hit off block 24-21
Rourke smashes yet another cross court ball to take out the 1st set. 25-21
While we wait for the 2nd set to start, the back ground music is Crazy Frog!
The crowd continues to grow, almost doubling since the start of the game.
2nd set line up: same as the first set. Orchard, Jensen, Maycock, Rourke, Praski, Bertolacci. Libero: Choat
Vietnam to serve
Rourke cross court winner. 1-0 to Aus
Service error by Jensen. Middle play by Praski brings up a winner.
Maycock to serve. Vietnam reply with middle hit. Scores level 2-2

Sorry for the lost of transmission.. The organisers decided to switch off the routers and changed the password.

Unfortunately we lost the last 3 sets and the match 1-3. The girls put up a great fight but too many errors crept in our game and eventually went down 25-21, 24-26, 20-25, 20-25.

Our next match will be against the defending champion Thailand tomorrow. Please check back here for more details.