Top five finish for Men’s Volleyroos at Challenge Cup
The Australian Men’s Volleyroos have finished their 2023 Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup campaign in fifth place.
After Pakistan dropped out of the competition, a 3:1 (25-23, 26-16, 33-35, 25-20) victory over Vietnam in their sole pool match in Taipei pitted the Aussies into a Round of 12 matchup against Macau.
A dominant 3:0 victory (25-10, 25-13, 25-8) assured the team of a top six finish and a showdown against Bahrain.
Unfortunately the middle eastern nation was too strong, handing Australia a 3:1 defeat (25-19, 25-22, 18-25, 25-18) and forcing the Volleyroos into the fifth-sixth playoff against Indonesia.
Despite dropping the third set, the Volleyroos rounded out the fourth set with a nine-point margin to claim a 3:1 victory over Indonesia and fifth place in the tournament (25-20, 25-18, 19-25, 25-16).
Upon returning to Australia, captain Luke Perry reflected on the campaign with some disappointment with the team having high expectations of their own performance, but was complementary of a young player having the chance to shine in national colours.
“It was disappointing to bomb out in the quarter final,” said Perry.
“Really impressive how we bounced back against Indonesia and to see Will D’arcy get his opportunity. Right now we’ll reflect and analyse our performance.”
The AVC Challenge Cup for Men rounds out the Men’s Volleyroos schedule for the rest of the season. Players will now head off to their respective clubs from August through to the first quarter of 2024.
The Volleyroos will then recommence national team activities with some development camps and then selection camps ahead of the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
2023 AVC Challenge Cup for Men
Chinese Taipei
8-15 July
Australian Results
Pool E: Australia d Vietnam 3:1 (25-23, 25-16, 33-35, 25-20)
Round of 12: Australia d Macau 3:0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-8)
Round of 6: Bahrain d Australia 3:0 (25-19, 25-22, 18-25, 25-18)
5th Place Playoff: Australia d Indonesia 3:1 (25-20, 25-18, 19-25, 16-25)
