Melbourne Uni Renegades at World Masters Games 2002

The 2002World Masters Games are underway here in Melbourne andMelbourne University Renegades has both a men's and women's teamentered in competition. The Games were officially opened at theMelbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday night in front of 50,000people.

The indoor volleyball competition actually began on Saturday at Springers Leisure Centre and Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. The Renegades 30+ men were Australian champions for several years and have had a great start to the tournament, defeating Act Your Age 2-1 (25:19 25:21 16:25) and Phantoms Volleyball 3-0 (25:20 25:16 25:18) on Saturday, then South Adelaide Volleyball Club 3-0 (25:17 25:17 25:20) on Sunday. With their toughest round matches out the way they were all but guaranteed first place in their pool before another comfortable victory against Yarra Valley 3-0 (25:13 25:14 25:13) on Monday. So, the men are undefeated and looking forward to the first of the cross-over finals on Tuesday night.

The Renegades women had just one match on Saturday and unfortunately went down 0-3 (25:9 25:22 25:9) against The Belles in an up-and-down match. They had another straight sets loss on Sunday versus Frankston Sharks (25:17 25:13 25:13) but came back well for a 3-0 (25-10 25-16 25-14) win against Moss Vale yesterday. The team is in third place in their pool with one match remaining and still a chance to reach the finals.

So, a promising start for both Renegades teams and they look to earn the title "World Champions". Melbourne city meanwhile has been invaded by 25,000 Masters from around the world.