Dungog High School girls volleyball team's latest victory

The team has won a collection of gold and silver medals at NSW Schools Cup tournaments and has their sights set on competing in the state and national finals.

Last week they competed in a NSW Schools Cup tournament in Sydney and made it to the grand final. They were defeated by a very strong team from Rooty Hill in Sydney and came home with a silver medal.

The team wasn’t disappointed with the loss because they beat two teams that have represented NSW at the Australian Schools Cup.

Teacher Tim Francey said the team had won the Hunter competition and were ranked fourth in the state.

“It was a big deal for them to see where they are at in comparison to the other teams,” he said. 

“The girls played three teams who have represented NSW at the Australian Schools Cup and defeated two, Baulkam Hills High School and Santa Sabina College.”

Teacher Rod Corcoran and Mr Francey worked together to create a girls and boys volleyball team two years ago and they hand picked players who were tall or could think quickly on their feet.

Both teachers taught volleyball at their previous school and thought it would be a good opportunity for the students. 

Mr Francey said the move had not only given the team a chance to succeed, but the girls had become very close friends in and out of school. 

Captain Breanna Miller said the team helped each other improve their performance on the court. 

“They’re my friends, we’re always together, I’m lucky enough to get to be in a team with my best friends,” Breanna said.

Mr Francey said the team was looking for a sponsor to help with the cost of competing.

He said the team would compete in a three day tournament in Sydney later this year in a bid to accumulate points and help them qualify for the state and national finals. He said the school would fund-raise to help foot the bill to compete.

“There might be someone out there who believes in girls sport and wants to make a contribution,” he said.