Volleyball
6 May, 2026
Horsham brings Heat to home fixture
The men’s and women’s Horsham Heat volleyball teams brought the entertainment to Horsham Basketball Stadium on Saturday, May 2, with multiple hard-fought battles against the Derrimut Knights in round four of the Victorian Volleyball League.
The women’s side won both their state league one fixtures against the Knights, taking a 25-22, 25-19, 25-19 victory in game one, before prevailing 22-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-8 in their afternoon game.
The men’s side lost 20-25, 23-25, 20-25 in their opening game before pushing the Knights all the way in their evening game, eventually going down 22-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 11-15.
Volleyball Horsham president and women's team coach David Berry said the atmosphere was great for the Heat’s first-ever home games.
“It was a great day for volleyball in Horsham,” Berry said.
“I think the vibe was good, and to the Derrimut Knights' credit, they bought into the occasion and certainly participated with great enthusiasm.
“We've been doing this for 15 years with the Phantoms, and it's not very often that you get a visiting team excited about coming to Horsham and being excited to be part of such a historic occasion.”
Berry said it was a great overall performance by the women’s side, adding that the men’s side was close to scoring their first win.
“The kids gave it their all – you can't ask for too much more than that,” Berry said.
“For the girls to repeat and come from 2-0 down and win in five in the second game was a huge credit to them and a character-building win.
“The boys were able to level it up in their second game, then they lost the third set, won the fourth set, so they went into the fifth set with a little bit of momentum.
“But the Derrimut Knights just kept throwing some monster hitters out that were going over the top of the blocks, and our defence just had no chance.
“But the boys are getting closer.”
Asked about the impressive performances from captain Laelah Robertson and Cleo Baker, Berry highlighted the duo’s versatility as they switched positions between games.
“Laelah had been playing at libero as she was managing a shoulder injury at the start of the season,” he said.
“The morning game was her first full game as a hitter, and she certainly showed with all her experience why she’s going to be a valuable player.
“In the repeat game, Laelah got a little bit tired, but Cleo stepped up and was as good as Laelah was in the first game.
“We're lucky to have such great players, as those two could easily be playing in the Phantoms' premier side, but they chose to play with us.”
The two sides will return to action in round seven on Saturday, May 23, at Monash University.
