WESSEX volleyball’s U18 sides had an overall 8-0 record in their National U18 Championships second Grand Prix rounds.

The men’s side travelled to Farnborough on Saturday.

The Paul Crews coached side topped their group thanks to successive 2-0 wins over Winchester Eagles, Farnborough and Plymouth Mayflower.

Exceptional setting and opportunity creation for the hitters even when the passes weren’t ideal from Niccolo Vichi saw him given the day’s MVP.

Vichi also delivered strong serving with hard and flat serves that regularly put the opposition under pressure.

(Image: Wessex volleyball) Other good performances came from the Wessex hitters, particularly opposite Michael Chernysh with his precise and powerful hits.

On the Sunday, the U18 women’s A team took 2-0 wins over Willesden and Weymouth in London.

Coached by Helen Rushby and Anthony Roberts, the side has secured a sport in the Last 8s Super Series.

Wessex won the first set against Willesden 25-15 after racing to a 6-0 lead through strong serving and defensive play.

Their opposition came out strong in the second set, but Wessex surged to a 25-18 win after a tactical time out and a change in mindset, resulting in strong attacks from the outside and middle players.

Against Weymouth, Wessex continued their momentum, although had to dig deep to secure the win in the first set after a tight start.

Impressive blocking from Hollie Badman and Phoebe Martin helped the side to a 25-20 win in the first, before Wessex were dominant in the second set, going to a 25-15 victory to secure the 2-0 win.

This got them a place among the top eight teams in the country.

(Image: Wessex volleyball) The U18 women’s B team travelled to Fareham, where they beat Wapping 2-1 in a tough match, before the Dave Gunter coached side went to more straightforward 2-0 wins over South Hants and Dartford.

This weekend, the Wessex women face a long trip up north to Leeds Gorse on Saturday and Durham Palatinates on Sunday in the Super League.