1997 Australian University Games

[img_assist|fid=50|thumb=0|alt=1997 Australian University Games logo|class=image-legacy] The 1997 Australian Universities Games were hosted by LaTrobe University here in Melbourne from September 28 to October 3.

Over 6000 athletes from 60 Australian and overseas universities competed in 23 sports. Volleyball (along with basketball, table tennis, swimming and 14 other sports) was played in the brand new Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre at Albert Park - good floor, high roof and good lighting...yay! There were 20 volleyball teams competing in both the mens and womens sides of the draw.

[img_assist|fid=53|thumb=0|alt=1997 AUG - Lorna spiking|class=image-legacy] The women's volleyball team got off to an excellent start, and despite a narrow loss to Swinburne University in the first game, they finished on top of their pool to go straight into the quarter finals on Thursday morning. Comfortably winning their quarter final, they progressed to the semi's in the afternoon against The University of South Australia. The USA side played their best volleyball of the tournament though, overpowering the Melbourne women to win in straight sets, 3-0. The play-off for the bronze against Monash University on Friday morning was another game entirely. There was no love lost between the two teams with plenty of bench support adding to the rivalry. The team played strong, consistent volleyball and came away with a great win, 3-1, and the bronze medal.

[img_assist|fid=56|thumb=0|alt=1997 AUG - Sam Wills spiking|class=image-legacy] In stark contrast to the women's success, the men's side had a disappointing week. After losing two round robin matches, they were placed third, meaning that all remaining games were knock-out. Unfortunately, a close loss to the University of Canberra saw them bow out of finals contention and have to settle for 13th to 16th play-offs. With the goal of a top four finish shattered, there was little heart in the team as they lost a close match to VUT. Their final game was against Swinburne University on Friday morning, and the players regrouped well to take the match comfortably in straight sets.

Congratulations to Jenny Hiller who won selection as setter in the Australian Universities Green and Gold team. The women's competition was won by Deakin University against the more inexperienced University of South Australia side. The men's final took a while to warm up, but developed into a classic battle. Monash University eventually taking the match in five sets against The Australian National University.

Shed 14 at the Victoria Docks was rocking on the Friday night following the announcement that The University of Melbourne had won the overall prize for the most successful university at the Games...

We are blue, black and white,
We are Melbourne dynamite.
Na, na, na, naa,
Na, na, naa,
Na, naa.

Melbourne's here, Melbourne's there,
Melbourne's every bloody where.
Na, na, na, naa,
Na, na, naa,
Na, naa.

We are hot, never cold,
'cause we're gonna win the gold.
Na, na, na, naa,
Na, na, naa,
Na, naa.