Help volleyball team get over the net

They have the talent and drive, now all the Rotorua women's volleyball team needs is a coach and some funding.

The "Rotovegas" team are preparing for the Midlands League which begins on April 28 - the first step in their journey towards the national championships in August.

The side warmed up by winning the Waikato Ethnic Tournament last month, beating some of the teams they are likely to meet during the two-month regional competition.

Player and team spokeswoman Hiria Noa said the tournament gave them an idea of the standard they could expect in the Midlands League, which includes teams from Hamilton, Tauranga, Te Aroha and New Plymouth.

"It was good to get a bit of a look [at some of the other teams]."

There has been a slight hitch in preparations, however, with the team's coach recently pulling out because of other commitments.

Noa said it was a real setback and they were keen to hear from anyone who may be willing to take on the task.

She said the Rotorua women's team had been around for a number of years but were only now starting to make an impact.

"Volleyball has not been so strong in Rotorua, it's more about netball and rugby," she said. "We're finally making some in-roads now."

She said the top three from the Midlands League would proceed to the Northern Zone competition and from there teams could qualify for division one at the nationals in Nelson.

Whether they qualify for division one or settle for the second division, the team are determined to make the trip south, along with the Rotorua men's side. Noa estimates it will cost about $15,000 for both teams to make the trip, which means they are on the look-out for local sponsors.

Anyone interested in coaching the women's team, or sponsoring the Rotorua sides, should contact Hiria Noa on (027) 913-3115 or Melissa on (027) 369-9431.