The men's team faced Oxford in the last 16 of the BUSA Volleyball Championships yesterday at the University sports centre.  This is the only knockout round of the championships, with the winner going on to a tournament at Loughborough to determine the winner of the BUSA Championships and become the best team in the UK.

The game started off tense as both teams were nervous at the occasion.  Both teams competed throughout the first set with York finally pushing ahead at the end to win a tight set 25-22.

The second set began much the same as the first, Oxford looked more promising but some strong blocking and defensive work from York kept them in the game.  Some strong attacking from York towards the end of the set pulled us 5 points ahead to take the set 25-20.

The third set began tentatively for York losing the first three points to some bad passing and defence.  After taking a timeout the team regrouped and continued the performances of the first two sets.  At 13-13 on York's strongest rotation, the team pulled 5 points ahead and victory was in sight.  The team continued to push hard at the end of the set finishing 25-16 with a strong performance.

After being promoted from division 2 last year the team has done very well to reach the last 8 of the BUSA Championships.  The team has spent the last two weeks practicing mental aspects of the game in training as when playing against the top teams in the country the mental game becomes most important.  This proved itself today with a mature performance from the team with support from everyone on court and the bench.

Hopefully the performances will continue as the next round we have to play Sheffield Hallam (2007 EVA Student Cup Winners), who have beaten the team 3 times this season.  With the attitude of yesterday the team can definitely push them to the end!