Tough schedule for teen volleyballers
28 October 2006
By SIMON BLOOMBERG
Nelson beach volleyballers Anna Chamberlain and Sarah Warren are planning an ambitious programme this season.
The teenage duo will need to hit the ground running when they start their campaign with an international tournament in Vanuatu from November 29 to December 2.
Chamberlain, 19, and Warren, 18, will then return to New Zealand to build up for the five-week Pro-elite national tour starting in Matarangi on January 2.
They played in three tournaments on the tour last year, losing all their games in Wellington, Ohope and Tauranga but Chamberlain said they were better prepared second time round.
"It was pretty overwhelming," she said. "We didn't know what to expect. But it was good for us. We learned watching other players and now we know what the standard is like."
The pair has been training six days a week in Nelson and planned to move to Tauranga soon after returning from Vanuatu to build up to the Pro Tour.
"They have to be around more players," coach Dave Miller said. "They'll practise against all the top girls up there and play in a few of the local tournaments - they can't do that in Nelson."
Chamberlain admitted it was a big commitment and they were seeking sponsorship to help them make the most of what could be their last season together. They had been playing in the same volleyball teams since they were third formers at Nayland College but were likely to split next year - Chamberlain intended to study nursing while Warren was planning a working holiday in Australia.
Pro-elite Tour calendar: Matarangi Open January 2-3, Wellington Open January 6-7, Ohope Pro Tour January 10-11, Mt Maunganui Pro Tour January 13-14, Auckland pro Tour January 19-21.
Nelson regional events: Brightwater Classic December 17, Tasman Open February 6.
|