Scorpions A defeated Christchurch team Smash in a southern women's league clash at Otago Girls' High School on Saturday.
The win came despite Smash having a reputation as one of the top teams in the league.
The Scorpions were also without their star player, Debbie Soakai, who is representing New Zealand at the Oceania beach volleyball championship in Samoa.
Hard-hitting spikes from Louise Brazier and Kate Underwood helped the Scorpions to a 25-19 victory in the first set.
The pair kept up the attack and thanks to blocking from Melissa Duff the Scorpions won the second set 25-19.
The Scorpions went point-for-point with Smash in the third set but narrowly went down 30-28 to the visitor.
Strong serving from Anna Coulthard and consistent spiking from Brazier helped the Scorpions bounce back to a 25-18 victory in the fourth set.
This secured the win for the Scorpions, although Smash had the consolation of winning the fifth set 15-10.
Brazier said her team played well but sometimes struggled to maintain their lead.
"Smash are one of the top teams so it's good to beat them. They are always a good game," she said.
In game two Smash was determined to redeem itself against Scorpions B. However, Scorpions B put up a good fight.
Strong blocking from Kath Radford and Toni Attwood was complemented by spiking from Rachel Carr and captain Nicole Stowers.
Scorpions B remained competitive throughout but were unable to win a set. Smash won 25-18, 25-23, 25-13, 25-23 and 15-11.
Scorpions B coach Simon Pickard said his team was steadily improving and he was happy with how it played.
"It would have been nicer if they had won. We just have to get a bit more consistent," he said.
- Julian Crawford
