Following a good training session on Thursday Riga were in good mood and looking forward to a top of the league clash with Wessex-Team Bath in Poole, bright and early Sunday morning.

Down to the bare bones with Tracy and Fan still out with injury and Juliane home for Christmas the team knew they had to give it their all.

Riga got off to a great start in the first set with strong serving from everyone. A run of serves from Anna Meister mid-way through the set helped Riga pull out a 4 point lead. This gave Riga the confidence they needed to keep ahead and with another great run of serves from Julia Werdich and consistent passing from libero Julie Bromell Riga took the set 25-17.

Wessex-Team Bath had to make some changes and they did bringing on Lucy Bolton and Simone Lewis. The second set was nip and tuck all the way through and Riga kept in it with good strong hitting from Celine Haederli and Alex Smith. Wessex-Team Bath pulled away a slight lead towards the end of the set, Riga fought back well but unfortunately the difference was too much and Wessex took the set 25-23.

Riga’s fight at the end of the second continued into the third and gave them the energy they needed to take the game to Wessex. Hitter Anna Meister continued to win points with some excellent play with hits deep into court. Some sneaky second balls from setter Lisa Purcell helped to mix up the play. Yet again Riga continued to serve strong pushing Wessex hitters onto the back foot and managed to take the third 25-23.

The fourth set continued in true form - point for point - until mid-way through when Wessex pulled away a 6 point lead, 16-10. Some decisive blocking and a run of serves from Michele Peryer and effective middle play from Julia Werdich helped to get Riga back in the set. Unfortunately Wessex managed to keep their lead and took the set 25-22.

For the second time this season the 2 teams faced a 5th set against each other, Riga being the victors earlier in the year. Tension was very high. The start of the 5th set saw teams trade points with Wessex turning round slightly ahead at 8-6 up. Some very intense serving and hitting from Wessex made it difficult for Riga to get the ball in to the setter. Without being able to answer back to Wessex with an attack Wessex managed to edge away and take the set 15-10.

Extremely disappointed but very proud of their performance Riga are now looking forward to the next time they have to take on Wessex and show them what they are made of.

MVP – Lisa Purcell