TGS prevail, Terrace return to podium and Nudgee suffer sore loss in GPS volleyball round 4
GPS volleyball major upset and a powerhouse returning to the winners podium featured in a dramatic round 4 of GPS volleyball 2023. SEE MORE
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Toowoomba Grammar School took the win over Brisbane Boys’ College in GPS volleyball last weekend, with Sebby Taylor and Sam Stanley key playmakers for the away side.
Meanwhile, Gregory Terrace returned to a winning streak after defeating Ipswich Grammar School.
In Brisbane territory, word spread as reigning champions Nudgee College succumbed to a 3-2 set loss against a mid-ranked Brisbane State High School.
Here is how it went down as the www.couriermail.com.au and Quest News continue their weekly coverage of the GPS volleyball season.
SEE MORE: GPS round 1 wrap-up
SEE MORE: GPS round 2 wrap-up
SEE MORE: GPS round 3 wrap-up
Brisbane Boys’ College vs Toowoomba Grammar School
It was a thrilling match between a home side Brisbane Boys’ College and visitors Toowoomba Grammar School.
A win for Toowoomba Second VI just moments before boosted the spirits of the TGS First VI team, who had travelled far for the game.
In the first set, BBC setter Sam Stanley and front court hitter Sebby Taylor looked a dangerous combo, with consistent execution of outside hits, Bs and the odd middle.
WHAT HAPPENED IN GPS CRICKET LAST ROUND - STORY HERE
But TGS wound up in front 10-4 early on, thanks to front court play from No.11 Joseph Mayers and No.1 Beau Fowler.
The Toowoomba libero put his body on the line to save points, keeping rallies alive even when they seemed impossible.
The back row for Toowoomba, with No.7 Alex Denman, No.4 Hussein Yusaf (C) and Mayers were also key in preventing BBC from catching up.
The score crept closer, as Tayor and No.5 Cooper Bell began dominating in front court and delivering powerful middle and outside hits.
BBC made a comeback to be 14-13, but TGS held on to take a 25-23 set win.
The second set opened with a powerful line hit from Fowler in opposition position.
Toowoomba’s libero continued his determination not to let easy points slide, keeping balls up despite strong hits from BBC’s Taylor and Bell.
TGS began setting a double block on the home team’s outside player, which seemed to shut him down quickly.
No11 got on a serve rally of three points, but BBC shut it down with a quick hit from Bell.
It was Toowoomba’s setter No.6 who kept his side calm when points were hard to come by, giving ample opportunity to his front court hitters with consistent setting.
For TGS, Yusaf appeared in the front court and showed off his hitting skills on the outside, as well as blocking BBC hitters one-on-one.
The visitors led 15-8, before BBC came back to be just one point down at 18-17.
It was no use, as TGS setter Karan Mohan and hitter Mayers boasted some quality play to put quick points on the board and surge ahead.
Along with middle blocking from No.11 ahead BBC No.8, the side closed the second set with a 25-20 to be 2-0 sets in front.
The third set was something else, as BBC turned the tables and gained an early lead before TGS brought it back.
Mayers remained a key player on the net, and Mohan never look to be lacking in sets.
It was the extra communication between players to let deep balls go out, set-up for free balls, and organise a tricky front court play that separated them early.
The score climbed to 20-14 in no time, and the home side struggled to slow the play when receiving.
With spirits lowering, TGS took the opportunity to drive it home and close the set 25-16.
It marked a 3-0 win that would leave them with smiles for the long drive home.
Nudgee College vs Brisbane State High School
There was a wave of shock through the crowds as reigning champions Nudgee College went down 3-2 to Brisbane State High School.
It was a thrilling match, with Nudgee pass hit Emmanuel Taviri best on court for the day, along with State High’s pass hit and middle duo.
The loss marks the first for Nudgee this season and threatens their title as back-to-back premiers for GPS volleyball.
Brisbane State High School had already suffered an early loss in the season to Churchie (ACGS) but look to have found their feet since.
Next week, BSHS will verse IGS, while NC travel to Brisbane Grammar School in the hopes of better results.
Ipswich Grammar School vs Gregory Terrace
It was Gregory Terrace who defeated the home team Ipswich Grammar School 3-0 sets.
Despite a competitive first set score of 25-21, Ipswich could not hold on, and went down 25-10 and 25-15 in the second and third set respectively.
Director of Sport at Ipswich Grammar School, Nigel Grieve said it was a much-improved effort from the side against a traditional strong team.
IGS captain Alex Trevilyan was consistent across all facets of the game, but GT’s attacking front court proved too strong for Ipswich’s line up.
It marks Terrace’s return to a winning streak after round three, where they suffered a loss to reigning champions Nudgee College.
Next week, GT will enjoy a bye week while IGS seek to defeat BSHS in another home game.
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