The girls travelled to Dandenong to take part in the championship and were awarded third place for their efforts among 400 other schools.

The girls took on Keysborough Acacia in their first game of the day. After the first set, the girls trailed 13 points to 18 but after Anna D’Onghia was put in the serving position, the girls quickly scored six points with the help of star spiker Sophie Elderfield. The girls fought to win the first set 22 points to 20.

In a nail biter of a second set, the girls lost 12 points to 20 before returning for the decider. With Sienna Milton starring at the front and back of the court, D’Onghia again played in the serving position and turned up the game scoring five points, helping her team to win the match 15 points to 10.

Daylesford took on Lakes Entrance Secondary College in their second match. The Vanderberg sisters Jessica and Kira starred with their passing and serving in the first set which saw Daylesford prevail 20 points to 15.

In the second set, Lauren O’Brien repeatedly hit the floor with her spikes, enabling the girls to win the set and match 20 points to 13. This saw Daylesford qualify in a semi-final spot in the crossover round despite still having a match up with Upwey High School.

The girls were two players down in the battle against Upwey but Eve Britten and Charli-Anne Mulgrew played consistently. 

In the semi-final, Daylesford played Maribrynong Academy of Sport. The side were much taller and stronger, showing why they are one of the most elite sports schools in Victoria as they dominated the front of the court. 

Ruby Hunt and Asha Loft continually returned the ball over the net, only to have it smashed back into Daylesford’s defensive area. It was a tight match, with Maribrynong winning in two sets to go on to win the State Championship over Upwey.

Captain Ruby Hunt said the team started playing together in grade four and had progressed together over the years.

“It has been really fun travelling and seeing new places for competitions this year.”