AUSTRALIA VS SWEDEN FRIENDLY MATCH ON 10 MARCH 2009
Set 1
Starting Lineup: T.Ryan (S), L.Skipper(PH), J.Gordon (M), H,Shorter (O), L.Cory (PH), B.Carey (M),
K Evans (L)
A slow start by Australia gave the Swedish a six point lead early in the game. After a timeout to re focus the team, the Aussies were left to chase the margin. Aus then shook their nerves with some strong offence, allowing them to close the gap. The teams then rallied point for point, with strong serves putting pressure on the passing line, breaking the Swedish offense. Australia put up a good fight, with Sweden making few unforced errors, allowing them to take the set 25-22.
Set Two
T.Ryan (s), L.Skipper (PH), J.Gordon (M), L.Cory (PH), H.Shorter (O), B.Carey (M), K.Evans (Libero)
A slow start to set two for Australia; errors causing pressure for the team early in the match. T.Ryan gets the team’s momentum going with a tip into the opposition’s side winning two consecutive points. The strong serving from Sweden lead AUS to trouble but the powerful hitting from L.Skipper kept Australia in the game. Inspirational play in defence closed the point difference and AUS were back in the lead. Despite the pressure applied by the Swedes, Australia kept fighting and won their first international set of the tour, 25 – 21.
Set 3
Starting Line up: T. Ryan (S), L. Skipper (PH) J. Gordon (M), B. Carey (M) E.Greenwood (O), N. Bishop (PH) K. Evans (L)
Aus start off well with the help of T.Ryan’s pressure serves, backed up by the blocks in front court. This keeps Aus in the lead by 3 points and the pressure on the opposition. Some defence errors allow Sweden to even out the scores and make it a point for point game. A massive roof by Loren Cory keeps Aus in high spirit, but then Sweden pull away to take the 3rd set 22-25.
Set 4
Starting Lineup: T. Ryan(s), L. Skipper(ph), J. Gordon(m), L. Cory(o), N. Bishop(ph), B. Carey(m), K. Evans(l)
Set four begins with desperate floor defence on both sides resulting in a point for point start. Australia gets a lead on the Swedish side with smart hitting options beating their defence. Australia is let down by lack of communication with balls left to hit the floor. Poor passing followed which gave the Swedes a lead over Australia. Australia struggle to side out, Sweden wins point after point giving themselves a large lead. Although Australia try to stay alive they couldn’t close the gap. Sweden take the set 25-10

Set Five
Starting Lineup: C.Martin (S), E.Simson (PH), L.Upitis (M), L.Skipper (PH), E.Greenwood (O), B.Carey (M), K.Evans (L)
The lack of momentum from the fourth set continued into the beginning of the fifth. Strong attack and an improvement in control from AUS closed the point deficit between both teams. The Swedish team kept the pressure on the Australians but scrambling defence proved too good winning the Aussies crucial points. L.Upitis and B.Carey show their strength at the net through blocking the Swede attack. Consistent serving by T.Ryan turned the set around and Australia gained the lead. With set point close by, both teams increased intensity creating long, strenuous rallies. Australia’s fighting spirit and commitment to the ball leads them to victory, 29-27.
Stats
Team Passed at 1.65 Ellie Simson 2.25 Ebony Greenwood 1.82
Team Attack Efficiency 8% with 35 kills, 24 errors and 75 in plays Lena Skipper 42 swings with 14 kills
Blocking Beth Carey 6 stuffs, T Ryan and L Upitis 2 stuffs each
Serving 1.41 Lena Skipper 1.84

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