Scottish Universities Cup  NEW

Scottish Universities Women’s Volleyball gathered on 20th February to compete for the Scottish Universities Cup at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen – a total of ten teams were involved in one of the oldest competitions in Scottish Volleyball (the women’s Cup event celebrates its 40th year in 2011).  This event is the only opportunity for Tier 2 teams to challenge those in Tier 1 and competition is always keen.

The RGU Sport facilities boast an impressive three sprung wooden floor courts and the players certainly revelled in the excellent surroundings.  History was made with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) playing their first competitive fixture in the event and their girls are to be commended for their competitive, never-say-die attitude, which saw them win two sets out of eight in their group matches. 

A surprise result in the pool section, where RGU beat a strong St Andrews team, meant that the semi-finals saw two local derbies taking place, with Aberdeen and RGU contesting the bragging rights for Deeside and Dundee and St Andrews renewing their long rivalry. 

In the end RGU continued their run of form to make their first ever final against pre-tournament favourites and league champions Dundee. Despite some strong play by Zaremba and ? for RGU, Dundee’s strength in depth and strong block ensured that the trophy returned to the City of Discovery for the third time in the past five years, with the Dundee students winning their second league and cup double in three years.

The Scottish Universities Cup is always a great advert for volleyball and the sheer enthusiasm of student players is a refreshing tonic for anyone who is interested in the sport.  All the players are to be congratulated on their efforts throughout the day and special thanks to Steve Milne of Bon Accord who completed his marathon officiating duties at the conclusion of the Final at 6.30pm – after first taking the referee’s stand at 10am!