The road ahead for 2023 GPS volleyball season: Who prevails, players to watch

With three rounds to-go in the 2023 GPS volleyball season, we reveal the teams most likely to come out on top, plus the athletes who will make it happen. Read our predications

Grace Hamilton

4 min read

March 8, 2023 - 5:00AM

South-East Advertiser

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It has been a season of upsets and powerful hits for the eight schools competing for the 2023 GPS First VI volleyball premiership.

With three rounds to go, www.couriermail.com and Quest News reveal the teams most likely to come out on top, plus the athletes who will make it happen.

SO FAR THIS SEASON

Round 1 started with a bang for Anglican Church Grammar School (ACGS/Churchie), who defeated Brisbane State High School (BSHS/ State High) in three straight sets.

Coach Ben Wasley was left feeling confident his side could take out the premiership.

Oliver Chancellor, Sampson Nott and Samuel Welsh were key players in Churchie’s win.

Across the river, Brisbane Grammar School (BGS) hosted Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC).

The home team came close, but BBC’s Daniel Yee and Finlay Dryden helped the visitors to win a 3-0 win.

Brisbane Boys' College (BBC) verse Brisbane Grammar School (BGS) in round 1 GPS volleyball 2023

In round 2 Nudgee College (NC) asserted their strength over Ipswich Grammar School (IGS) on home soil.

It was a quick 3-0 win that sent IGS home, as Nudgee made it clear they would be fighting for back-to-back premierships.

Rylan Carlisle and Emmanuel Taviri were top performers on the day, along with Tom Eyles at the net.

In other games, Toowoomba Grammar School (TGS) couldn’t hold out a victory-hungry BSHS.

The 3-0 set win gave State High a taste of what was to come, after their round 1 loss to Churchie.

GPS Volleyball between Nudgee College and Ipswich Grammar School. Saturday February 4, 2023. Picture, John Gass

Nudgee’s string of success continued in round 3, as the home team defeated Gregory Terrace (GT) 3-0 sets.

Tom Eyles was once again a sensation on the net, while Timothee Philippe delivered powerful pipe hits from back-court.

The tension was high when GT threatened to take the lead in the third set, but NC surged ahead and claimed victory.

Meanwhile, Churchie took a 3-1 set win over BBC, and TGS defeated BGS in a close 3-0 set match.

GPS Volleyball between Nudgee College and Ipswich Grammar School. Saturday February 4, 2023. Picture, John Gass

In round 4 TGS made the trek to BBC and claim a thrilling 3-0 win.

In the front court, Joseph Mayers and Beau Fowler put on a show, while the TGS libero put his body on the line to save key points.

Captain Hussein Yusaf was key in the passing line.

The visitors never wavered in their dominant play, leaving BBC with the taste of a sour loss.

On the other side of Brisbane, shockwaves were sent through the crowd as reigning champions Nudgee were defeated 3-2 by BSHS.

While NC’s passhit Emmanuel Taviri was the blue and grey’s most valuable player, BSHS’s Charlie Moody couldn’t be stopped at the net.

GT meanwhile beat IGS 3-0 sets on Ipswich soil.

GPS First XI volleyball but no need for names. Brisbane Boys College v Churchie. Saturday February 11, 2023. Picture, John Gass

In round 5, BSHS continued to surge towards the premiership, beating IGS 3-0 sets convincingly.

The defeat seemed no challenge with the exception of a close call in the third set, despite the long trek out west.

State High’s Charlie Moody was best on court for the game.

Meanwhile, after winning the first set in upset style, BGS suffered a 3-1 loss to NC.

Middle blocker Will Adams debuted for the Nudgee side and showed off his skills at the net in no time.

GPS Firsts Volleyball between Terrace and BSHS. Saturday March 4, 2023. Picture, John Gass

There were more shocked reactions when GT took victory over a seemingly strong BSHS in round 6.

The 3-1 set loss now threatens State High’s chances of the 2023 First VI premiership.

IGS fell short in three very close sets against BGS on home soil (25-18, 25-22, 25-15).

Tane Gregory (Vice-Captain) was a strong force and leading player despite the team’s loss.

“He used his voice and leadership to keep the boys in it throughout the game,” Ipswich coach Denzel Kennedy said.

“It was a bit unfortunate to fall short.”

Meanwhile, the Nudgee First VI had a strong 3-0 win over BBC (25-18, 25-15, 25-12).

Passhit Emmanuel Taviri was once again the strongest on court.

WHAT’S TO COME

The reigning champions (NC) have a bye in round 9, meaning the next two games are crucial and no sets can be dropped.

Director of Nudgee volleyball, Theo Betteridge, said it’s pleasing to see the way his team has improved in all areas across the season.

“We know we will have to bring it all together in these final two matches to finish atop the premiership table,” Betteridge said.

Meanwhile, Churchie have not dropped game this season and will go head-to-head against Nudgee this week (round 7).

While BSHS have only lost two games, they remain just outside the top three.

Their round 8 and 9 clashes with BBC and BGS will decide whether they can finish in second, or jump ahead to first in the case that Churchie suffers a shock loss.

Round 7: March 11

Toowoomba Grammar School and Brisbane State High School (No Game)

Gregory Terrace v Brisbane Grammar School at GT

Nudgee College v Anglican Church Grammar School at NC

Brisbane Boys’ College v Ipswich Grammar School at BBC