On Wednesday in O’Loughlin’s Sports Hall, KCVS took on their city rivals in the first match of the day, Presentation Kilkenny, led by former Kilkenny camogie player, Lisa Carey. However, the early nerves got the better of the Pres girls as they never got going, with KCVS cruising to a 2:0 win.
Next to play KSVC was Mayo’s Mount St Michael School where a win would see the Kilkenny school go directly to the final. However Claremorris had other plans as they upset the odds with a more controlled performance to win the match in the 3rd set, 15:12.
KCVS now needed a miracle from their Kilkenny counterparts against Mount St Michael, which they surprisingly got. Pres girls were fired up from the start and got their just reward, pressuring the Mayo outfit into many mistakes with their more aggressive play. The Pres came up trumps in the end, winning the match 2:1.
With all three teams on one win each, the result came down to set difference, where it would be KSVC to advance to the Final by the skin of their teeth, where they will take on Convent of Mercy, Roscommon in Wednesdays final.
Following on from the girls’ success, it was a double celebration for the city school, with the boys team dominating all games in their semi final phase in UL on Friday.
Taking on Coláiste Críost Rí of Cork, Dunmore CS of Galway and The High School from Dublin, KCVS showed up meaning business from the start, and annihilated all 3 teams at the Limerick venue.
Under the guidance of former Scottish International, Debbie O’Connor, the Kilkenny based team had too much skill and know-how for the other teams, winning all matches 2:0, and booking a final against Trínity Comprehensive School, Ballymun.
Both KCVS teams now look forward to Wednesdays finals at the National Sports Arena, high in confidence that they can finish off their run with a double school Success.
In club news, Kilkenny Spartans Volleyball Club continue their league action this weekend with both men’s teams travelling away to their respective opponents.
On Saturday, the Division 2 side, made up predominantly of Secondary school players, take on table toppers Gardians in Dublin, while the Premier team go west to Galway as both teams go in search of their first victory of the season.
SETU Carlow are also in Volleyball action this Saturday at 11am, with a home game against Ennis’ Munster Thunder as they look to move off the bottom of the Division 1 table with a win.
If you’re interested in getting involved with Volleyball in Kilkenny or Carlow, get in contact with Spartans Volleyball Club or SETU Carlow via the Instagram or Facebook pages as the clubs cater for junior and adult players of all standards.
