“ECSTATIC” was the word described by Jersey women’s coach Ed Parslow after their winning start to life in the Hampshire League, completing two victories in their first round of fixtures against University of Southampton and Solent Phoenix.
The men’s side kicked off the Island’s barnstorming start in the league with three wins from their opening round of fixtures and the women have backed them up superbly, winning both games two sets to nil.
Captained by inspirational leader Nicola Appleton, they got off to a perfect start against the uni side by winning the first set 25-11, followed by a 25-20 win in the second set, then followed that up by beating Phoenix 25-12, 25-13.
Coach Parslow said: “I’m ecstatic, the girls could not have done us prouder and they are over the moon with the result.
“They were so excited for their first fixture and knew it was going to be tough, regardless of the opponent.
“We knew the men had made a great start in their first round and we wanted to use that momentum to inspire us to equal heights for the ladies and they did exactly that.”
Parslow continued: “The second game was equally as pleasing.
“The girls were managing their first experience of playing multiple matches on the same day and to back up their first win with such a clinical performance in the second was really pleasing.
“They have worked so hard for a long time to earn this opportunity to compete in this league and getting off to this start has really given everyone in Jersey Volleyball the confidence that we not only belong at this level, but we can excel at it too!”
Captain Appleton added: “It was great to get to compete in the UK again after such a long time away.
“We stuck to our game plan and played some really solid volleyball.
“Every member of the squad got some time on court as well which is going to be crucial for us moving forwards.
“We have an incredible team spirit and that really showed in how well we flowed through those games.
“It’s a privilege to represent our Island through the sport we love and we’re chuffed both the men’s and women’s sides have been able to put in such impressive performances and turn some heads in our respective leagues.”
Sharing the division are their Channel Islands rivals Guernsey, who are competing in the Hampshire League for their second season.
The coach described the prospect of facing their rivals in the league as “extremely exciting,” adding: “It’s a great opportunity for both men’s and women’s sides to level the playing field.
“Guernsey have been ahead of us for a while now, but with the Women being in the same division and the men being in another group but having a chance to potentially face them in the play-off’s later in the season is really exciting for us.
“Both sides will face Guernsey in the inter insular’s later in the year outside of the league, but to have the chance to play them in a competitive league as well gives us even more opportunity to expose ourselves to top competition.
“Guernsey are a strong team both on the men’s and women’s sides, but these are the challenges we want.
“We have gone on this journey to push ourselves to play at a high level and we now know that we are capable of winning games at this standard.”
JVA Women’s Squad: Nicola Appleton (c), Ilona Hutchins, Andreea Gabriela, Jessica Cadiou, Tendie Mupundu, Anna Roswell, Izabela Gawlicka, Miroslawa Cravo, Micaela Camara
Hampshire Volleyball AssociationLadies’ League
P W L Diff Pts
Hits and Giggles 5 5 0 131 15
Winchester 3 3 0 152 9
Solent Phoenix 5 2 3 200 9
Jersey 2 2 0 44 6
South Hants 1 3 1 2 14 6
SVC First 2 1 1 27 4
SVC Academy 3 0 3 -50 4
Uni of Southampton 5 0 5 -202 2
Guernsey 0 0 0 0 0
