This weekend will see us host the 2024 edition of the Scottish Volleyball Cup Finals. With 15 matches set to take place in Edinburgh University’s Pleasance Sport Complex from Thursday, April 18 – Sunday, April 21, this marks the most ambitious Cup Finals Weekend to date as we showcase the top talent our nation has to offer throughout various divisions.
Thursday marked the conclusion of the school cups, as Belmont Academy and Queensferry High School kicked off the weekend in the Girls final. A dominant performance saw Belmont firing out of the blocks as they took set one 25-7. Set two was a back-and-forth affair as Queensferry fought to level the score, but a strong run from Belmont saw a shift in momentum which ensured the trophy would be heading home to the West. The final set finished 25-16, and Belmont Academy were crowned the Girls School Cup Champions 2024.
Next up it was the boys turn to take to the court. Queensferry High School were in action once again, facing off against Woodfarm High School. With little between the sides, the first set was a battle from start to finish. Despite Woodfarm’s efforts, Queensferry took the early lead, winning set one 25-22. However, the East Renfrewshire side weren’t down and out yet as they rallied well, running out to a 25-16 win – and forcing a golden set! Once again, there was little separating the sides, with the two teams exchanging points to start the third, before Queensferry regained control and made sure they wouldn’t be going home empty handed. With a 15-9 set three victory, Queensferry High School became the Boys School Cup Champions 2024.
Our night fixture saw the inauguration of the HUDL All-Stars as they took to the floor and faced off against the Scotland Women’s National Team. The All-Star team – which was determined through statistical analysis and tracking by HUDL – saw six of our top flight teams represented. With a wealth of talent spread over both sides, this match was always going to be a showstopper! Scotland were first out the traps, but the all-stars battled back in a highly contested first set, eventually edging out the National Team 25-19. Set two started in the same manner as the first, as Scotland came out gunning and took an early 4-0 lead. The HUDL team responded once again however, evening out the score as both sides jostled for the lead. Like the first set, the All-Stars mixture of talent and experience was enough to turn the tide in their favour, as they eventually edged out the Scotland Women 25-23!
With everything on the line, Scotland dug deep in the hopes of keeping the game alive. A crazy set saw us locked at 24’s, which was just a taste of what was to come! The deadlock continued as the teams battled for control. At 31-31, it was the HUDL All-Stars who were able to break the tie, taking the all-important final two points to come away the victors, 33-31!
A huge well done to everyone who took to the court in day one of the Scottish Volleyball Cup Finals. What a way to set the tone as the we look forward to the remainder of the weekend.
Be sure to check out Volleyball Photos for a full gallery of every match!
Tickets are available for anyone who would like to come and take in the festivities’ first hand. We hope to see you down cheering on the competing teams throughout the weekend!