A momentous sporting occasion, the Our Lady’s Bower Cadette volleyball team were deservedly crowned All Ireland U16 C champions on Tuesday of last week.
The team, captained by Hannah Murray and coached by Rebecca Mooney, were accompanied by a bus full of supporters as they made their way to the Kingfisher Arena in the National University of Ireland Galway to take on Assumption Secondary School, Dublin.
The Bower team got into a comfortable stride in the first set of the match, with powerful serves from Hannah Murray resulting in a number of ‘aces’ that put them ahead.
Third year student Tanya Stephane was critical to keeping the Bower firmly in the lead throughout the first set, as she ‘set’ a number of high balls to Paul Munoz and Poorvika-Vimal Raj to spike over the net. The first set ended in a score of 25-13 to Our Lady’s Bower.
The second set proved more challenging, with Assumption Secondary School making a feisty comeback. Some super defensive skills were demonstrated by Poorvika Vimal Raj and Maria Talabante to receive some strong Assumption serves.
Third year student Niamh Purtill proved to be a valuable substitution in the second half of the second set, scoring a number of powerful spikes. The Bower side maintained composure to finish off the second set with a 25-19 victory, realising a final score victory in favour of the Athlone secondary school.
Special congratulations are afforded to captain Hannah Murray, who was awarded the MVP (Most Valuable Player ) accolade.
The team enjoyed a congratulatory procession through the school upon their return, the Our Lady’s Bower community gathering in the corridors to applaud the team as they paraded their All-Ireland medals and shield.
