With both of their players from last year back for more, UCT are hoping that their continuity will stand them in good stead at the Varsity Beach Volleyball tournament in Camps Bay this weekend.
The team of Christine von Hirschfeld and Cassie Toogood wore the Ikey colours in Plettenberg Bay and Margate last year, and they have been joined in the squad this year by Jessica Davies and Simphiwe Ndaba.
Von Hirschfeld told varsitysportssa.com that having the experience of last year’s competition under their belts has helped calm the nerves ahead of the Camps Bay tournament.
“I think we know what to expect, there are a few players here that were there last year so you know what you are in for. But definitely playing at home, at Camps Bay will be really great,” she said.
The UCT stalwart said that the team has done as much preparation as they could, including getting used to the conditions that they will face this weekend when action gets underway.
“We have tried to incorporate everything we can and play every single weekend to try and just get the fitness up. At Camps Bay when it is hot it is hot so you have got to have that endurance.
“You can’t push yourself too much but for the last two weeks we have been on the beach for two or three hours, four or five times a week.
“As long as that wind doesn’t come, because then everything is unpredictable, but I enjoy playing at Camps Bay,” she said.
One of the major differences this year is that the teams have been expanded to four players with one tactical substitution allowed in each match, and Von Hirschfeld expects this to have a major influence.
“Last year we didn’t even have a third player, it was just the two of us so it was quite tiring. I think it is better because you will be pushing yourself because you don’t want to be substituted out, but you do know that if you do mess up then there is someone to cover you.
“It will definitely play a role for teams that aren’t that fit – they will just substitute in when they get tired,” she said.
As the ‘home side’ UCT are expecting some good support this weekend along with favourites UWC who they have formed a close bond with.
“I think the fact that Camps Bay has a lot of people walking up and down anyway will draw a lot of support.
“We have a special relationship between ‘Udubs’ and UCT, we always support each other and we are hoping for a UWC-UCT final,” said Von Hirschfeld.
