Beach Volleyball Schools Cup

The Queensland Beach Volleyball Schools Cup is an annual competition that brings together young athletes across the state to compete in Beach Volleyball. This tournament is open to both boys and girls in year levels 7 to 12 and is designed to promote the sport and provide opportunities for young players to develop their skills.

Schools Cup is organised by Volleyball Queensland and this year there were over 390 teams competing from schools all over the state. The competition is held over several days on beautiful Coolangatta Beach, with 42 courts set up for the event. Teams play a time limited, best of three set matches to determine the winner of each game.

This year Somerset College sent almost 40 students who competed in pairs and fours across a variety of different age groups.

On a Sunday, teams battled through the pool play section of the draw in wet conditions with the top two from each pool making it through to quarter finals the next day.

The Year 9 Girls team played outstanding volleyball picking up two wins with inspirational serving from Natalia Zotti and strong net play from Amelie Dunford as some of the highlights. The girls managed to pull off one of their wins in golden point after scores were level at the end of time. Livi Budd and Daisy Symons played amazing volleyball to secure the win in the last rally of the match. On Monday the girls continued on their winning ways eventually finishing fifth overall. 

The Year 8 Boys fielded two teams in both pairs and fours. Philip He and Tima Korin played in what was arguably the toughest division, Year 8 pairs. They fought and battled against some very strong opposition. The team of four were able to make it to the quarter finals before losing to a strong team from King's Christian College.

Year 10 boys fielded the biggest group with four pairs playing in that division. All teams played amazingly well with two teams making it to the quarter finals on day two both finishing inside the top eight in the state. Lachie Mathieson played some outstanding volleyball and did not drop a set to their opposition during pool play.

The Year 11 pair of Jaden Lee and Morgan Craig showed great improvement winning two games on Sunday in another tough division. 

The Year 7 students join in for their one-day tournament on the Monday with lots of smiles and comradery displayed from all students. The Year 7 girls team consisting of Lucy Pluss, Sara Gacina Richardson, Ailin Zhao and Jorja Grocott played flawless volleyball all day, not dropping a single set and being awarded the gold medal and the title as State Champions. 

A massive thank you the Paris Johnston and Issy Garland for your amazing coaching and guidance with the students. A special mention to all of the parents who helped throughout the weekend with an extra special mention to Eli Mathieson who kept the students hydrated and fed throughout the two days.