Sunraysia Men's Division 1 Team Breaks the Drought to Claim Historic Victory at Volleyball Victoria Country Championships

10 June 2024 – In a moment that will be etched into the history of Sunraysia Volleyball, the Sunraysia Men's Division 1 volleyball team made history on 10 June 2024, by becoming the first Sunraysia team to win the prestigious Division 1 Volleyball Victoria Country Championships.

For those who have followed the team's journey, the victory represents the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and a shared passion for the sport. "This win is probably the most deserved win I have ever seen," said club Secretary Matty Wilkes. "These blokes started playing as youngsters and grew together, developing a bond that is as special off the court as it is on it."

The Sunraysia squad, a tight-knit group of players with a deep connection to their community, has proven that teamwork and perseverance are key to success. Over the years, each member has contributed to the team’s growth, developing their skills not just locally, but also at different levels and across various parts of the state, country and world.

What stands out most about this team is their undeniable swagger and the way they play the game with a smile on their faces. It’s a quality that only a true Sunraysia volleyballer can possess. Their win is not just a personal triumph but a symbol of the spirit and pride of this proud region.

The ripple effect of this momentous victory is already being felt within the Sunraysia volleyball community. The achievement has sparked a renewed sense of enthusiasm, particularly among the junior ranks. The under-17 boys' team, inspired by the Division 1 success, is beginning to make its mark, while the newly formed "Next Gen" A-Grade team has embraced their name as a tribute to the current generation of volleyball stars.

The years of hard work, the early struggles, and the steady progress have finally paid off. Sunraysia volleyball has broken through, and the future looks incredibly bright for the sport in the region. As local players continue to rise through the ranks, there is no doubt that the legacy of this historic victory will inspire the next wave of volleyball talent in Sunraysia.

Sunraysia Volleyball is proud of what has been achieved, and as the region celebrates its first-ever Division 1 Men’s Volleyball Victoria Country Championship title, the community is already looking ahead to even greater success. 

U17’s Men Win the Volleyball Victoria Junior Country Championships

September 2024 – In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the Sunraysia Under 17’s boys volleyball team clinched the title at the Volleyball Victoria Junior Country Championships, to follow-up on the success of the Sunraysia Men’s Division one victory earlier in the year.

The team, led by captain Brock Nokes, dominated the tournament from start to finish. They won all of their pool matches dropping only one set. These impressive performances, showcased talent, perseverance and teamwork. Over the course of the weekend, they dropped only two sets, a testament to their consistent strategic play.

In the gold medal match, the Sunraysia boys faced fierce competition in Horsham, but their solid defence and unity carried them through coming back from a set down to win securing the championship with a blend of skill, resilience, and determination. The final victory was the culmination of a weekend filled with hard-fought matches and moments of brilliance.

Outstanding individual performances were recognised with All-star 7’s selection to Brock Nokes, Derek Bagacay, and Joshua Ellis. The boys trained for 7 weeks leading into the tournament by coaches Daniel Williams and Adrian Fox, “These are great boys, they just played so well, and I couldn’t be prouder” Daniel said. “Whenever I looked at the boys between games and duty, they were together. They became close mates and that was more important than winning on the weekend. But it sure was awesome to win.”

Captain Brock Nokes, who led by example throughout the tournament, expressed his pride in the team's achievement through mimicking the behaviour of the Mens victorious side including photos of the trophy on its way home and bringing it to local competition the following Wednesday night.

The triumph of the Sunraysia Under 17’s boys has not only brought joy to their team but has also inspired the entire Sunraysia volleyball community. The success at the Junior Country Championships is a motivation for the younger players in the region, proving that with hard work and perseverance, you can not only hold your head high but a big trophy too.

Sunraysia Volleyball Inc. Shines at Australian Pukapuka Nations Cup

In a display of exceptional talent and teamwork, members of the Sunraysia Volleyball Inc. travelled to Brisbane this past September to compete in the Australian Pukapuka Nations Cup Volleyball Tournament. This annual event brings together teams from across the nation to celebrate their passion for volleyball, this year, Sunraysia’s teams made a permanent mark.

The A-Grade men’s team showcased their talent by sweeping through the competition securing gold, led by familiar face and Sunraysia Inc. Committee member, Lucky. Their journey to the top was a testament to the skill, strategy, and unyielding spirit that the team embodies. From the first match to the final whistle, the Sunraysia A-Grade men played with intensity, precision, and a cohesiveness that left opponents begging for answers. Their victory is a reflection of their dedication and endless skill, and the Sunraysia volleyball community couldn’t be prouder.

Not to be outdone, the Sunraysia B-Grade men also emerged victorious, claiming gold in their category. Their performance throughout the tournament was marked by outstanding teamwork and a deep understanding of one another’s game. The B-Grade men demonstrated resilience and adaptability, overcoming challenges and fierce competition to dominate their matches. Their triumph not only adds another trophy to the cabinet but also highlights the depth of talent within the Sunraysia volleyball community.

The A-Grade women’s team also made a significant impact, finishing as runners-up in their division. Their journey to the finals was characterized by determination, skill, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Despite falling short of the gold, their performance was nothing short of remarkable, and they have set a high standard for future competitions. The second-place finish is a commendable achievement and a source of inspiration for all aspiring volleyball players within the community.

The success of Sunraysia Volleyball Inc. at the Australian Pukapuka Nations Cup has not only filled the trophy cabinet but has also invigorated the entire community. The accomplishments of the A-Grade men, B-Grade men, and A-Grade women are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that define Sunraysia volleyball. As the region celebrates these impressive achievements, there is a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation for future tournaments.

The victories in Brisbane have set a new benchmark, and the Sunraysia volleyball community is more determined than ever to continue their winning streak. With such talented players and a supportive community, the future of Sunraysia Volleyball Inc. looks incredibly promising.

Congratulations to all the teams for their outstanding performances. The success in Brisbane is a reflection of the collective effort and spirit of the Sunraysia volleyball community, and it serves as inspiration for all. We are all proud to call our volleyball community a family and to see our family travel, have fun and inspire us back home is a joy. 

Sunraysia Volleyball Shines in Bendigo: Honours Men and the Division One Women’s Teams Claim Victory at Dragon City Tournament

27 October 2024 – Following the historic success of the Sunraysia Men's Division 1 team at the Volleyball Victoria Country Championships and the under-17 boys' triumph at the Junior Volleyball Victoria Country Championships, the Sunraysia's volleyball community was hungry for more. The next battleground? Bendigo’s Dragon City Tournament, where Sunraysia's finest were ready to continue their winning streak.

The Sunraysia Honours Men’s team, led by Sunraysia Vice-President and Captain Brad Leersen, arrived as the clear favourites to take home the trophy, and they did so in a style that was both humble and commanding. In the final, they faced off against a familiar and friendly foe—the "Good Ol' Boys" from Horsham. Although the teams are off-court mates, on the court they are fierce rivals, and the final was no exception. However, the Sunraysia men took the match, securing the win and adding another piece of silverware to their already impressive collection.

With another tournament on the horizon in Horsham later this month, there’s hope that Sunraysia’s success will continue. “It’s an incredible group of players, and we’re confident that more good things are to come,” said Lachie Giles, President of Sunraysia Volleyball inc.

Matching the men’s energy was the Sunraysia's Women’s team who also enjoyed a triumphant weekend, bringing home the Women’s Division 1 trophy. The women, captained by the ever-dedicated Tara Martin, faced challenges from every team in the tournament. But it was their mix of experience and youthful energy that saw them through to victory. In a thrilling final, Sunraysia defeated "Spike Wozowski," a team that had remained unbeaten up until the final, securing the win in four sets.

This victory marked the end of what is believed to be a multi-year drought for Sunraysia women’s volleyball, making the achievement all the more significant. The triumph is a testament to the hard work and determination of the team and a sign of the bright future ahead for women’s volleyball in the region.

“We had fun” said Tara Martin in her presentation speech. “Every team we played against, we had fun. As a team we came together and played awesome.”

With both the men’s and women’s teams making waves in Bendigo, Sunraysia volleyball has proven that it is a force to be reckoned with. As the region celebrates these remarkable victories, all eyes are on the next tournament in Horsham, where there is hope that Sunraysia’s winning momentum will continue, further cementing their place as one of the top volleyball communities in the state.

“There is nothing about these girls I don’t admire” said coach and SVI secretary Matty Wilkes. “I am not a coach’s backside, and my knowledge on volleyball is limited but I know when I see a special group of players and this women’s team is truly special, the way they nurture the young players and encourage one another is next level. They deserved this win so much, and I am sure we will see many more. With the success of Sunraysia this year I want every association and team to know that when you play us you need to be at your best because our worst will be better than your best.” 

Sunraysia U17s Shine in Horsham, Close Out a Big Year

The Sunraysia U17s team delivered a valiant performance at the 29th Annual Horsham Volleyball Tournament earlier this month, finishing a commendable third place. Narrowly missing out on a spot in the gold medal match after a hard-fought semifinal, the team embodied the true Sunraysia spirit of determination and resilience.

Despite the last-minute loss of young gun Joshua Ellis due to injury, the boys rallied and fought for every point, refusing to let setbacks define their performance. The team showcased their versatility and depth, with Alexander Ellis stepping into his older brother’s position for the tournament, moving out of his more familiar libero role effortlessly.

The dynamic duo of Derek Bagacay and Brock Nokes combined finesse and power, setting the tone for the team’s attacking plays. In the middle, Jack and Hamish continued their strong partnership for the second event this year, proving to be an invaluable defensive and offensive presence.

The team welcomed a new opposite hitter, Angus Lloyd, who adapted quickly and brought fresh energy to the court. Meanwhile, young Archie came off the bench to make an impact, continuing to develop his skills and learn the nuances of his game.

Looking Ahead

This tournament caps off a monumental year for the U17s, one filled with growth, camaraderie, and promising performances. As a volleyball community, we couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead for these talented young athletes.

Next on the horizon is the Melbourne Vipers Camp in December, providing a valuable opportunity for the boys to refine their skills and learn from some of the best in the sport. After that, they’ll enjoy a well-earned break before gearing up for what promises to be another big year in 2025.

Congratulations to the U17s on an incredible year—you’ve made Sunraysia proud!

 Sunraysia Men Deliver Outstanding Performance at Horsham, Finish Second

The Sunraysia Men’s Division 1 team once again showcased why they are one of the most formidable volleyball squads in the region, finishing second at the 29th Annual Horsham Volleyball Tournament. Their exceptional skill, relentless effort, and unshakable camaraderie were on full display throughout the competition, leaving the Sunraysia volleyball community beaming with pride.

Known for their big hitting and sharp gameplay, the team’s journey to the final was a testament to their talent and teamwork. From precise passing to powerful attacks, every player contributed to the team’s success, creating a cohesive and dynamic unit.

In the final match, they left everything on the court, narrowly missing out on the top spot. Despite the outcome, the team’s determination and sportsmanship shone through, further solidifying their reputation as fierce competitors and exceptional ambassadors for Sunraysia Volleyball.

Beyond their skill, what truly sets this team apart is their bond. The Sunraysia Men are more than just teammates—they are a brotherhood. Their ability to trust and support one another in the heat of competition is a key ingredient to their success. This camaraderie not only fuels their performance but also inspires younger players in the region to strive for the same level of connection and excellence.

The Sunraysia volleyball community could not be prouder of this group. Whether is big Dylan playing the lights out of the AVL or his team mates banging around in the state league they represent the region with pride, we are incredibly grateful. Their efforts at Horsham capped off an incredible year filled with milestones, including a historic win at the Volleyball Victoria Country Championships. These achievements reflect their hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport.

As they look ahead to 2025, the Sunraysia Men are sure to build on this success, continuing to represent the region with pride and setting the standard for volleyball excellence. Congratulations to the team on a fantastic performance at Horsham and an unforgettable season!