The GB Women’s Volleyball team, who have recently reassembled in Sheffield in their final preparation for the London Olympic Games, got off to a tentative start to their first International match of the season when World 17th seeded South Americans Peru took to the court here at the EIS Sheffield this evening. GB came under a heavy barrage of serving power and lost out in the first set 17-25. 

In the second set coach Audrey Cooper  introduced  USA based Savannah Leaf for her first cap for the GB team, who went on to establish themselves in the match and took a tight second set by 25-23.

Both Peru and Great Britain came out all guns blazing in the 3rd set with the lead changing hands several times before GB finally focussed their strengths to edge an incredible set by 32-30  

Peru came out strongly in the 4th set in an attempt to get the upper hand. GB Coach Audrey Cooper shuffled her pack to introduce fresh players but the Peruvians were now in control and ran out 16-25 to tie the match at 2 sets all.

I was now all down to the tie break set, GB established an early lead and managed to soak up the powerful Peruvian attacks to keep their noses in front with some terrific centre blocking from Grace Carter and Ciara Michel. Courageous Captain Lynne Beattie made a full diving pick up which saw her flying in the air 2 metres behind her own team bench to keep the ball in play and a couple of moments later saw her smashing the ball through the Peru block to give the GB girls a truly sensational victory.

The teams will play another match at All Saints School Sheffield on Thursday 3rd at 17.30 

Set 1  17-25
Set 2  25-23
Set 3  32-30
Set 4  16-25
Set 5  15-11