Volleyroos Take Silver at Asian Championships

The Volleyroos
have taken second place at the 2019 Asian Championships after losing in straight
sets to hosts Iran in the gold medal match.

Australia
defeated the world number eight ranked Iranians during the pool phase, but were
no match for the newly crowned three-time Asian Champions, losing 25-14, 25-17,
25-21.

Australia did
achieve its primary objective however, and will fight for a spot next year’s
Tokyo Olympic Games when the Olympic qualifiers are held in Tokyo next January.

In advance of
the qualifiers, the Volleyroos will sharpen their preparations at next month’s Tokyo
World Cup, which will see them start their campaign with a match against Egypt
on October 1.

The Australian
squad featured five Western Australian athletes, with Max Staples, Luke Perry, Sam Walker, Luke Smith and Nicholas Butler all representing the Volleyroos.

Sam Walker received the Best Outside Hitter award for the
Asian Championships, following his impressive form throughout the tournament.

The Volleyroos are aiming to compete at the Olympic Games
for just the fourth time, with London 2012 their most recent appearance.