Santry Calypso win Association Cup thriller!

On Saturday, the women of Santry Calypso completed the Volleyball Ireland league and cup double, as they secured a five-set win over a spirited UCD.

They stormed into an early lead with Ilaria Piacenza looking powerful and precise. Calypso simply had too many options for the UCD defence with Giulia Fagiani and Mexican middle blocker Viridiana Rosal consistently finding gaps. UCD libero Doireann Counihan performed admirably, using all her experience to find perfect positions on court. However, the league champions who ended the season with a perfect 14 from 14, took the first 25-14 and the second 25-20.
 
UCD came out hard in the third with Regina Alpin vicious with the serve and Lauren Clark dominant down the middle. UCD were working the slide well, putting Calypso under real pressure for the first time in the match. Head coach Trish Somers tinkered with the tactics with Caroline Briggs and Fiona Lamont becoming more and more influential. This way, UCD took the third set 25-20 and set up the tie-break taking the fourth 25-21. 

The League champions took control in the fifth set, leading 9-5 before UCD stormed back, Lauren Clark leading the charge. It was nip-and-tuck at the business end with the game tied 11-11, 12-12 and 13-all. UCD had the first crack at match point, but Viridiana Rosal saved the game with a hit too strong for Counihan. An epic point at 14 each was won by Fagiani, before Rosal then finished the game with a trademark hit to take the Cup (16-14) and a well-deserved MVP award. 

Earlier in the day, Cork Volleyball Academy claimed the U16 Girls’ League title, Killarney club Phoenix won the Men’s Development League whilst DVC Lions celebrated Shield glory over Santry Sparks. 

Sunday’s line-up includes the Men’s Association Cup Final between Aer Lingus and Dalkey Devils (starting at 17:15 local time).