Riga arrived in good time and were fired up to play Loughborough who seem to be struggling in Div 1 this season, only having won one match. The late arrival of some of the L’boro players affected Riga’s usual confident warm up, which was delayed by 5 minutes

SET 1
A reasonable strong start on Ania’s serve gained a 3:0 head start for Riga, but constant side outs made even scores through the first full rotation to 11:10. Again Ania’s serving caused problems for L’boro and Riga’s score was 14:10 up, which Riga retained throughout the rest of the set. Even though Riga were playing without a libero the passing in was consistent and allowed Lisa to set to all hitting positions (a brief she’d had from coach Collins prior to the match). With Michele playing opposite she knew she had to watch out for the little dumps which she picked up allowing Celine to rescue and set up for Michaela to hit a pipe ball and win another point. Julie was subbed on for Miriam back court having to protect her injured shoulder at 19:16, and the first set concluded  at 25:20

SET 2
Riga went out with the same starting 6, but found it slow to take off. Almost a repeat of the first set the points remained even for the first rotation. L’boro upped their game and proved they were made of 1st division stuff, with Laura Hodgekinson hitting strong through 4, this made Riga have to work harder. Coach Collins called a time out at 6:8 to steady the ship. Lisa having confidence to set the middle allowing Miriam (in her final set playing up) to win points on both hits and blocks. Michalea’s excellent serving backed up Celine’s hitting turned the set around to 21:18. Ania again picking up points on her serve to conclude the set 25:19

SET 3
Coach Collins introduced Sharon from W2 making her debut in division 1 playing opposite allowing Michele to go through the middle. Scores again see-sawed in the first half of the set but mainly in Riga’s favour. Celine’s hard jump serving created all sorts of issues for L’boro, and moved the scores from 13:12 to 19:13, from here Riga never looked back. Michaela was moved into the middle for a few rotations and made the most of some excellent short attacks. The set was concluded at 25:21 and in 21 minutes; the match in 63 minutes.

Riga setting themselves up for Swiss Cottage next weekend in London ready to avenge one of their 2 losses this season.