Reading University Volleyball Club made history

Last weekend, Reading University Volleyball Club made history with the mens’ team passage through to the EVA Student Cup Finals in Leeds. Head Coach Rob McMenamin led the academy squad to convincing victories over Chichester and Oxford Universities.

The Oxford game was of the highest quality. Oxford are consistently a top 5 BUSA team and Reading took great delight in knocking them out of the Cup at this qualifier stage in Ashcombe. The first set was a tight affair, with Reading pulling through to a 27-25 victory, mainly due to the incredible display of MVP and Cypriot international, Alex Constantinos. Reading then took control of the game with a professional performance in the second set and a 25-16 dismissal of a now dejected Oxford. Frenchman Deni Lejeune was on fire, linking up well with Italian setter Emanuel Balsamo with quick -tempo plays. The dummy runs and smack-downs of middle men Tom Jones and ex-Kenyan International Peter Wajonje proved most effective and the agility of opposite player Sergio Rigiletto left the opposition always guessing.

Reading will now compete in Leeds for the Cup final in the last weekend of February. In BUSA Reading are well placed to qualify for the play-offs and in its debut season in highest -level National Volleyball League, Reading will top the West of England Division with wins over Oxford and Stroud this Sunday in Wolfeden. RUVC is grateful to club president Nickolaos Kritsilis and official sponsors UPP for their commitment and support. The men’s team is one the university should be truly proud of.