Volleyball

First VI Volleyball

The First VI Volleyball team began the competition before school began. We played Marcellin at the Trinity Gym. We lost that match but by the time the season ended mid-March, we were winning consistently. Our scores were not enough to make the finals, but under the superlative coaching of Sean Kennedy and the inspiring leadership of team Captain Gregory Kerdemelidis and Vice Captain Zachary Kyriakos, the students became a first-class team.

Each week spectators would see the spectacular leaps from Greg and Colin Jiang as well as Ming Han Low’s accurate serving. Aden Shinnick and Hugo Akse saved many possible scoring points at the net. The strong middle players Michael Hare, Nicolaas Bray and Alexander Choong were always fast and athletic in their play. Our libero, Zachary often slid across the court on his stomach making a low save! The core group from 2021 was joined during the season by Hamish Collett, who could produce demon serves; and Kayson Wang who was steady across the middle. Another newcomer, David Li was also a solid performer. The three players were all an asset to the team.

Every Saturday morning, we made the long trek down the Monash to the State Volleyball Centre, a great echoey barn of a building in Dandenong. Even the matches lost were exciting and hard-fought. A group of parents watched every match, and the students appreciated their support. Most of the team are in Year 12 and will be leaving Camberwell Grammar at the end of the year and must pass the baton to the younger players. They enjoyed playing Volleyball and we hope they will have opportunities to continue playing in 2023.

Mrs Julie McCarthy

Teacher in Charge

Second Volleyball

All three Second Volleyball teams seemed to enjoy the season as it progressed. Playing at Monash University among other venues can, at times, be a daunting experience. However, the resilient and competitive nature of all Camberwell Grammar players allowed them to play their game and perform to the best of their ability.

All three teams encountered a mixed bag of results, with many matches being close. Whatever the outcome was, all players left the court feeling satisfied with themselves and with a great sense of achievement. Well done on a successful season and hopefully many will continue playing Volleyball next season and beyond.

Mr John Catanzariti

Teacher in Charge

Years 9/10 Volleyball

The three 9/10 Volleyball teams – Blue, Gold and Mitre – enjoyed successful seasons in 2021-22, with the Blue and Gold teams posting over twice as many wins as losses. When the Blue team took to the court, observers were thrilled by Xander Lee’s great on-court leadership, Will Aldred’s electric enthusiasm and dramatic jump serves, and Ross Armstrong’s reliable all-round play; George Kitsoulis, Anson Lim, Arya Noor, Silas Qian, Bach Tran, Lucas van Koert and Chauncey Yu all contributed to the team’s dynamic style of play.

On the Gold team, Declan Collett’s skilful digs and Arthur Lau’s net play and spikes helped propel the team to victory, supported by James Chan, Lucas Chin, James Condello, William Jenkin, William Linehan, Callam McClure, James Tsang, Max Yu and Elias Zakkas.

Finally, the Mitre team, spearheaded by Byron Zhang, Calvin Wang and Lachlan Wong, whose athleticism, focus at training and positive spirit inspired the team, comprising Jay Babbar, Noah Conn, Nigel Khong, Kelvin Le, Jaiden Lee, Ronan Mahaffy, Henry Segal, and Gilbert Zhang. It was a pleasure each week to watch the three teams work together to improve their skills at training, and grateful thanks are extended to the three external coaches, Zach, Allen and Noah for all their expert assistance.

Finally, congratulations to each student on their participation and progress as a volleyballer: you have been a credit to yourselves and your school and built a strong foundation for continuing development in years to come.

Years 7/8 Volleyball

The 2022 Volleyball season for 7/8 Volleyball began with training with some of the new Year 7s getting to know the Year 8s. It was amazing to see quite a few Year 7s playing the sport. Our match results weren’t preferable for us, having only losses until the last game, which we won. Every match we put up a tough fight but just not tough enough. But the match we won was worth all the matches we lost, defeating another school full of giants.

Over the season we got better and better to eventually get our win. Our team has been extremely good at taking away roadblocks, such as taller opponents, hard to retrieve balls and skilled backrow players. Overall, we had a good and fun season despite the losses and everyone on the team improved a substantial amount.

An enormous thanks to Coach Mr Noah Anderson for coaching us very well and to Ms Eckersley for managing the team.

Samuel Page and Ari Hatzicostas Captain and Vice Captain