Adelaide Storm into women’s Australian Volleyball League finals in debut season
ADELAIDE Storm has gone from struggling to fund away trips to the verge of an Australian Volleyball League title in its debut season.
ADELAIDE Storm has gone from struggling to fund away trips to the verge of an Australian Volleyball League title in its debut season.
Made up entirely of players from the SA state league, the team will take on University Technology Sydney/Sydney University in a semi-final at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre on Saturday.
But it was a different story two months ago when the Storm launched an online fundraising campaign to cover the $2000 per player travel and accommodation costs for the 10-round competition.
Only a late cash injection from sponsors and a financial commitment from players allowed Adelaide to take its place in the league.
“Unfortunately volleyball isn’t as well known or as publicised as football or soccer, so funding has definitely been an issue,” Storm opposite Bonnie Poulter said.
“We’ve had to dip into our own pockets (for away trips) and unfortunately that does deter some players that would have tried out.
“It’s very time consuming and financially consuming for us players.”
Adelaide finished the regular season third with a 5-5 record.
The youthful Storm side, featuring just two players with national league experience, lost twice against UTSSU this season.
But Poulter said taking the NSW side to five sets last month had raised hopes.
“We’re all pretty excited and fired up to do well and represent the state,” the 23-year-old Norwood Bears player said.
“We’re not intimidated at all and we’re going there with nothing to lose.
“We’ve really learnt how to play together and we just need to keep our mental game strong and play hard from the start.”
The Storm was established this year after the demise of Adelaide Rubies.
Poulter said advancing to Sunday’s grand final would cap off a roller-coaster first campaign.
“I think we’ve surprised ourselves with how much we’ve come together given the standard of players we’re up against,” the former state junior said.
“It would be an amazing feeling (to win the premiership).
“There’s nothing better than winning something you’re passionate about.”