The volleyball season has reached its halfway point in the senior categories, and things from now onwards will get more interesting, especially in women’s competitions.
In the men’s category, Valletta Mapei and Fleur de Lys Twistees have confirmed their status as favourites for the honours.
Having already secured the Super Cup and Christmas Cup, Fleur de Lys are aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2013-2014.
However, FDL’s task will be anything but easy as Valletta Mapei have been the leading side in the championship so far, managing to win all their matches, including two victories over their direct rivals.
Aloysians are sharing second place with Fleur de Lys, six points behind leaders Valletta, while Mġarr are still looking for their first win of the season.
Excitement is guaranteed until the end in the men’s league as the season will finish with the play-offs.
Balzan Flyers have emerged as the top team in the women’s championship after winning all nine of their matches without conceding a single set.
Led by David Caruana, Balzan Flyers have also lifted the John Bugeja Tribute Cup and the Super Cup, and are now favourites to win their first ever league title at the end of this season.
Hot on their heels are Paola Volley and Fleur de Lys Twistees.
Paola Volley had a slow start to the campaign but improved with time. Indeed, clinching the inaugural MVA Christmas Cup was a timely boost for the team’s morale.
Fleur de Lys Twistees, on the other hand, started the season as favourites to retain the league title but they are enduring a difficult time in the competition.
They need to find the rhythm they had last year to prove their worth in the women’s Super League.
Mellieħa Tritones and Balzan Flyers 2 are the other two teams who will be competing in this season’s Super League.
The women’s First Division league has no clear favourite.
Sliema Wanderers, Playvolley General Membrane and Swieqi Phoenix start the second part of the season tied on five points, with Mġarr Volley close behind on four and Birkirkara VC with two points.
With teams obtaining three points for a 3-0 or 3-1 win and two points for a 3-2 win, with the loser getting a point in a 3-2 defeat, every set will count from now onwards.
Meanwhile, Swieqi Phoenix lead in all three categories of the junior leagues.
While they have virtually won the U-18 competition, as they enjoy a five-point lead over Balzan Flyers with two games in hand, in the U-16 championship Swieqi still have it all to do as they are only three points ahead of nearest rivals Fleur de Lys.
The girls’ U-14 league is still in its infancy.
Phoenix won their opening two matches but Paola Volley and Balzan Flyers still have time to turn their fortunes around.