City of Salford 0 - 3 Tendring Ladies

14:25, 18:25, 18:25

Report by Milly Smith

After a tough 3-1 loss against Durham, Tendring ladies started the second leg of their trip up North focused, aggressive and determined to take the win.

Despite starting the first set on the back foot due to a cluster of errors, Tendring soon made a tremendous comeback, proving their dominance over the weaker, yet experienced Salford side. Some solid reception from outside hitter Emily Bell facilitated this, enabling Mechell Daniel to execute some powerful kills down the line. Continuing this aggression and focus throughout each play found Tendring comfortable winners of the first set 25-14.

The beginning of the second set saw head coach, Mark Plotyczer, change the starting line-up, substituting starting player, Mechell Daniel, for Estonian opposite player, Helen Hunt. Starting this set stronger than the previous filled Tendring with the confidence they needed to be successful, including some great pick-ups from libero, Lena Bitadou and a phenomenal one hand defence from setter, Lois Chitticks. This, in addition to a 9-point service run from American middle blocker, Amber Erhahon, extended Tendring’s lead until they eventually took the set 25-18.

Feeling comforted by the success of the first two sets, Tendring began the third set as confident as ever, with the squad’s youngest player, Holly Bentley, coming on to set for Lois Chitticks. Running the attack as successfully as she did gave every hitter the opportunity to score points, including some consistent swings from Helen Hunt and a powerful pipe attack from Ellie Cranch. A cluster of blocks from middle blocker, Charlotte Bontems, ended the game with a set score of once again, 25-18. 

Tendring’s game vs Salford proved to be an enjoyable one, gifting each individual the opportunity to showcase their skills on the court. While our bamboo tree is still being nurtured, the success and progression of this weekend has fuelled our team to grow in preparation for the cup quarter finals against London Orcas next year. For the time being, we take on Birmingham to defend our second place position in the league. Let’s go Tendring!

This weekend especially, we would like to thank everyone who has helped us thus far with our sponsorship and sign-ups to the Tendring lottery, as well as Gerald Daniel, who kindly drove the minibus. Trips like these would not be possible without you and your support is greatly appreciated by us all.