The Female Volleyball National team had its first official match in over three years this evening at the Cottonera Sports Complex against an Italian club team, Planet Volley Pedara. The Maltese played their hearts out during the first 3 sets but the more experienced Italian side were too strong for the national squad and won the first match, in a series of three by 3 sets to 1.
Malta started off on a slow note as the Italian attack proved to be too strong. Planet Volley Pedara immediately took the lead and lead through the first technical time out 8-3. The Maltese play picked up some momentum with captain Alison Borg Hayman shining for the locals. However, the Maltese efforts were all in vain as the Italians took the first set 25-16 in 15 minutes.
The second set started off with a bang for the Maltese. They seemed to have settled down and started showing good volleyball. Malta lead through the first technical time out 8-3 and continued to lead throughout the set. There was no stopping the Maltese and they easily won the second set 25-17.
During the third set, Malta were unable to keep up the momentum and the level of play shown in the second set and head coach, Liz Mariani was forced to call a time out at 15-12. A number of substitutions were also done as Daniela Muscat was called on court instead of Gertrude Zarb and Alison Borg Hayman was replaced by Maria Demicoli as an effort to boost the Maltese game play. However, the Italians played well and closed the set 25-19.
The fourth and final set was a non starter for Malta. The squad seemed to have lost motivation after losing the third set and the Italians easily won with a score of 25-11. Total match duration was of 76 minutes. The game was officiated by Frankie Tanti aided by Aaron Stivala.
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