Western Australia and Victoria will go head-to-head in what looms as one of the most hotly contested battles of the Australian Volleyball League season when they square off in Mandurah over the weekend.
The WA Hornets and Pearls will host the Melbourne Uni Blues in the round nine clash, with the country’s finest volleyball talent going toe-to-toe at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre in a double-header of action with men’s and women’s games scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday.
Mandurah Volleyball Association president Charlie Grigio said it was a coup for the local area to secure a national match.
“It’s the volleyball equivalent of hosting a [Perth] Wildcats game, so it’s really exciting to have something like this held in Mandurah,” he said.
“To have the City of Mandurah working with Volleyball WA to bring something like this to town is great, and it’s going to be great for the grassroots version of the sport here as well.”
The Saturday night games kick off with the Pearls taking to the court at 6.30pm, followed by the Hornets’ match-up with the Blues at 8.30pm.
Sunday times have the Pearls playing at 10am, and the Hornets at 12pm.
Mandurah youngsters will also have the chance to get up close with the Hornets and Pearls players on Sunday, with Volleyball WA running an hour-long coaching clinic from 8.15am.
“To have a pair of both men’s and women’s games held over the weekend is big in itself, but for our local kids to get some first hand coaching from national players is fantastic,” Grigio said.
“That’s something we’re really looking forward to.”
The women’s clash will provide fans with a one of the most anticipated games of the year, with the WA Pearls sitting second in the Southern Conference behind the unbeaten Uni Blues.
In the men’s standings, the WA Hornets lead the Southern Conference with just one loss from eight games.
For more information on the league, or its fixtures, visit avl.org.au