Paola beat EX-10 in National Cup tie

Paola beat EX-10 3-1 in the second game of the women's National Cup at the Cottonera Sports Complex on Sunday.

EX-10 showed good technical quality to win the first set 25-20. In the second set, both coaches stuck with the same line-up. Paola went ahead with strong services by Nadine Galea and, inspired by Nadia Tagliaferro, they levelled the game by winning the set 25-16.

EX-10 coach Darren Giordimaina encouraged his team to attack in the third set.

With Busuttil in fine form, EX-10 kept up the pace with their opponents but after coach Stefan Decelis called a time-out, Paola regained the upperhand to win 25-21.

The fourth set was dominated by Paola. Juliet Vella and Deborah Marmara were solid in defence and Rosella Spiteri broke down EX-10's resistance with 10 consecutive services in a row. This set ended 25-8 in Paola's favour.

In other National Cup matches, Fleur de Lys beat Footers in straight sets and in the men's category, Valletta Mapei were 3-1 winners over Southend.

The second round of the National Cup will be played on February 22.

Valletta Mapei take on Fleur de Lys Westen and, in the women's competition, Flyers meet Fleur de Lys and Paola face holders Paola Hibs Candy.