Two Renegades Teams Win at 2001 Bendigo State Cup

Melbourne University Renegades had five teams competing in the 2001 Bendigo State Cup held on November 3-4, and two teams came home on top. There was no Honours division competition this year so the club had two men's and two women's teams playing in Division 1, plus a men's Division 2 team.

The MU Renegades 1 men's team was composed of Honours players and during the rounds were clearly the tallest and strongest team in the competition, not losing a match on their way through to Sunday afternoon's grand final. The Renegades 2 men's team, also playing in Division 1, included several of the club's regular division 1 players plus a few extras to help their chances. Their only loss going in to the grand final was to the other Renegades side, so the scene was set for another great all-Renegades Grand Final (two in a row after Morwell's all-Renegades final). Despite the team numbers and performances on Saturday, the Grand Final was won by Renegades 2 in straight sets - five wins at tournaments this year for Gus including Masters.

The Renegades 1 women's team started the tournament up against Heidelberg who had beaten them in the Grand Final just a few weeks before at Morwell. This time, MU Renegades came out on top and continued their good form through to the grand final on Sunday. This would be their tournament as they took out the Grand Final in four sets.

The Renegades 2 women's team and the Division 2 men's team didn't have as good a time of it on court. The Renegades 2 women's side didn't manage a win on the Saturday despite being competitive in what was virtually an Honours competition. The Division 2 men lost their first match right on the time-limit buzzer and with only six players (plus an occasional libero!) were always going to get tired as the tournament wore on. With two wins and two losses they just missed out on a place in the semi-finals.

So, a fun and successful end to the 2001 indoor volleyball season for Melbourne University Renegades - three teams winning in the last two tournaments and three runners-up. Add to that five teams in the state league finals (including one premiership and a runners-up) and great wins in the pre-season tournaments as well, it has been a fantastic year for the club both on and off the court. Congratulations to everyone involved.