With rather a depleted squad Riga had little time to plan and coax a few members from W2 to help out. So thanks to Clare, Mirium and Virginia to take time out of their day to help, (without you the team would have been in a pickle).

In the first set, Riga sided out after Leeds took the 1st two points on strong serves, but then both teams continued to trade points until Leeds #40 gave strong serving pressure and the points changed from being 10:12 down to being 11:19 down. With Riga unable to find a winning solution both teams traded points again until the set was finished at 18:25

So it was now important for Riga to settle down into the match in the second set, for Clare to find her hitters and a couple of players to quickly get used to their new positions. Riga served first and tried to get the advantage, which wasn’t realised until Celine served and chalked up 5 points. With Leeds making a few hitting errors Riga gained odd points, only to squash Leeds further with Michele & Mirium blocking their hits. Andy called a time out at 11:8. Unforced errors from both sides; Leeds hitting out & Riga serving out the score was suddenly 18:19. Michele, after serving 2 out in the first set, wanting to make amends served confidently bring the score up to 23:19 and forcing Leeds to time out and substitute back to their original setter. But all too late Riga took the set gladly at 25:23

In the third set, Leeds continued with their #1 setter, as per 1st set, and although Ania wins points hitting and blocking through the middle it is not enough as Leeds take the lead with steady gain on points. Riga being 4:9 down before Andy again calls time out. Although renewed vigour from Riga they are unable to pick up clever hits from Leeds position 4. Good reactions from Riga force Leeds to hit out, unfortunately it is too little too late as Leeds continue to dominate. Time out at 7:14 makes little difference although Riga celebrate the 1st ace serve from Claire, Leeds take the set 16:25.

In the fourth set, Riga was hoping to take control from 1st serve but this was not to be, as Leeds win the 1st point. Leeds #9 then serving 2 more point before Michaela causes Leeds problems with her serve forcing them to time out at 3:6. Both Riga and Leeds then wasting points with faulty serves Riga time out at 11:11. Michaela then blocking Leeds hit through 2, followed by Leeds block through 4 and Leeds serve out. Although the passes were consistent from Julie, Riga made errors at the net, including net touch, and block wipe off, the score was too close for these silly mistakes. Riga call time out at 18:20. Good serve sequence from Leeds gain them 2 +2 points with Riga benefitting from Leeds serving out. Riga were unable to find the gaps in Leeds defence and the set concludes at 22:25.

Riga MVP – Michaela
Leeds MVP – D Kun