VOLLEYBALL: Sponsorship critical issue for flag-flying women's side

ANENDRA SINGH
To the outsiders it's neither here nor there - indoor or outdoor, what's the difference in volleyball, they may well ask.
If bikini-clad babes, serving and spiking in the baking sun, can capture a global audience than what's the problem?
Why don't the indoor types simply follow suit? All they need to do is revisit their clothing designers, flash a little more midriff and their sponsorship woes will become a thing of the past.
After all, tennis, golf and cricket have mulled over such dynamics to sex up their sports.
But Napier Volleyball Club women's captain Jo Lucas begs to differ as they seek elusive funds to compete outside the region as the flagship team of their 300-member club.
``We're females and it's a minor sport so it can be quite difficult,' a bruised and battered Lucas said at the end of the Central Zone tournament at the Pettigrew-Green Arena, in Taradale.
``Sponsors these days want something in return and we can't offer them what rugby and netball can,' she explained as they prepare to approach Bay businesses and community trusts for funds.
``All we can hope for is a volleyball lover at the end of a postie's delivery,' said Lucas, claiming the Anna Scarletts and Suzie Blundells of this world had to commit to a nomadic lifestyle around the world, accruing points to qualify for tourneys in the world circuit.
While beach and indoor volleyball were both under the Volleyball New Zealand umbrella the mindset on marketing the sport were very different.
Lucas' Napier team finished fourth yesterday after losing to archrivals Rongotai, of Wellington, in the 3rd-4th play-offs following their 3-nil set exit in the semifinals to Massey.
The 3-2 loss to Rongotai was a cliffhanger, with the sides trading sets and the visitors running away in just one occasion in the eight-team competition.
With some seasoned campaigners, the Napier side boast three Bay under-19 reps in Karlee Johnston, Kate Gurran and Josie Stockill.
In Saturday's pool play, they registered 3-nil victories over Wellington teams, Hawks and West but succumbed by the same margin to top seeds New Zealand Institute of Sport (NZIS).
Massey went on to upset Wellington-based NZIS 3-2 in the final. The institute outfit is under the tutelage of national women's coach, Shelley Addison.
The only Bay men's team in the eight-team competition, Scindians finished fifth yesterday after a 2-1 set win over Massey with the game shortened to enable visiting teams to travel home safely due to poor weather.
A breakaway from the Napier club almost two years ago, the Scindians on Saturday beat Wests 3-1 but lost 3-1 to Wellington teams Measina Spikers and the Eagles by the same margin.
Failing to make the top-four play-offs, tourney co-ordinator Kath Samia said the Bay club lost 3-1 in the bottom-four play-offs yesterday morning to the New Zealand North Island boys' team.
The Eagles, who were the runners-up in last year's nationals, claimed the bragging rights by pipping Measina 3-2 in the top-four final.
Lucas said three more monthly tournaments would be played before the nationals in Christchurch at the end of August where the top two teams from the northern, central and southern zones would be represented.
``Although there's open entry the top four teams from division one and two will be there. This tournament is a good measure to see where we're at.
``It's an expensive trip so we'll have to be there before we commit to going.'