Pirates and The Empire Spikes Back take out top division premierships in Albany Volleyball Association

The champions of the 2021 Albany Volleyball Association were crowned after the grand finals were held at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre last week.

After a shortened season in 2020 because of COVID-19, the AVA had its biggest competition in more than a decade this year, with six junior sides, 13 mixed, nine men‘s and seven women’s teams taking part.

Four teams came away with the ultimate prize after several exciting grand finals on Wednesday and Friday last week.

Pirates won the men’s premier competition, beating Ambassadors three sets to nil on Friday.

Although the game was over in straight sets, both teams fought hard, but Pirates prevailed in the decider for the third year in a row, with Nick Bew the most valuable player.

The women’s premier game was a great tussle, going to four sets, but it was The Empire Spikes Back who were victorious 3-1 over Pirates in a two-hour match.

Nienke Tempelman was MVP in the women’s decider after playing a leading role in the win.

Goated Goats (ASHS) again won the junior volleyball grand final overcoming rivals St Joseph's Sea Dragons, winning in three sets last Wednesday.

It’s A Set Up proved too strong for Dolphins in the mixed grand final, winning in three sets.