A total of 25 teams competed across two male and three female divisions for over $4000 in prizemoney.

More than half of the teams walked away with winnings, either from defeating a rival 25-12 or better in a set to win skins cash or by making it to the final of a division where the winners and runners-up took home a cheque for prizemoney.

Phantoms Volleyball Club was the most successful team across all divisions with its men and women taking out the division one titles for the second time in four years. The Phantoms’ men’s division two team also finished runners-up.

Volleyball Ballarat committee members and VVL Premier League stars Matthew Hallowell, Georgie Hassell and Ben Hassell all competed with Phantoms on the weekend, while Ballarat was represented by a division two men’s team (third) and a division three women’s side (seventh).

Ballarat development coach Henry Murnane was pleased with the efforts of both teams, which were comprised of a mix of junior players and local members from the Monday night social competition.

“For many of the players it was their first exposure to tournament conditions and a higher level of volleyball, and they will only improve from the experience,” he said.

Volleyball Ballarat president Damon Minotti said the success of the tournament was crucial for the continual development of the sport locally.

“Hosting this tournament provides opportunity for our local members to improve not just playing skills, but coaching, refereeing and administrative skills as well,” he said.

Minotti said in 2019 Volleyball Ballarat would be moving home thanks to an agreement reached with Ballarat Indoor Sports Inc. He said the organisation would be looking to expand significantly on its current competition and development offerings.

Anyone interesting in playing volleyball is encouraged to contact Volleyball Ballarat. All details can be found on the association’s website at volleyballballarat.com.au.