Volleyball: Wessex into quarter-finals (From Thisisdorset)

Volleyball: Wessex into quarter-finals

7:00am Wednesday 5th December 2012 in Latest Sport

WESSEX Rocare ladies sailed into the quarter-finals of the National Cup after a four-set victory over Surrey Orcas.

Wessex are flying high in the top-flight Super Eight division, but were given a tough examination by Division Two South outfit Orcas.

London 2012 beach volleyball star Zara Dampney helped the Dorset side establish an early advantage with some strong serving and, thanks to a steady defence, the visitors were able to seal the opening set 25-17 in Kingston.

Wessex then moved 16-10 clear in the second set at the first technical timeout and, despite Orcas upping their game, the favourites closed out the second set 25-20 to move within one set of the match.

The third set did not go to plan, though, with Orcas continuing to pose a threat thanks to their strong middle attack.

And thanks largely to some confusion in the Wessex ranks, the hosts pulled back by claiming the set 25-23.

Wessex, though, showed why they are third in the Super Eight standings with a stunning fourth set performance.

Gemma Beddows kicked things off with some powerful serving and, by the second technical timeout, Wessex were 16-12 in front.

And the match was sealed 25-19 thanks to a stunning spike from Vicky Palmer.

Wessex Rocare’s next match is at home to Super Eight basement dwellers Portsmouth at Oakmead LeAF campus on Saturday.