VOLLEYBALL: The Australian men’s volleyball team has posted its second consecutive 3-0 FIVB World League win, beating Slovakia in Helsinki overnight.

It was a dramatic turnaround for the Volleyroos, who lost 3-1 to the same team one week ago.

The win was even more meritorious because coach Mark Lebedew rested captain Paul Carroll for last night’s match, allowing Luke Smith and Lincoln Williams to thrive in their opportunity.

2012 Olympian Travis Passier led the point scoring with 12 in an impressive all-round display.

“We had a really good start today and were able to put pressure on them from the beginning,” Lebedew said.

“We served well enough to keep them off the net, and then our block and defence was able to work well.

“On the other side, we were very efficient in our side-out, especially the middle of the net, first tempo and pipe. And despite some changes in the starting lineup from yesterday, the team again showed great cohesion throughout.”

The Volleyroos beat China 3-0 on Thursday night, and will finish this weekend’s round against host nation Finland on Sunday morning, Australian time.

Finland is also unbeaten this weekend, setting up a thrilling final fixture before the Volleyroos head to China for three more matches next weekend.

Ross Solly
Volleyball Australia