New Zealand coach coach Adam Watson has confirmed his Volley Ferns squad of 14 players to face the Volleyroos Women’s side in their five-match series in Auckland later this month.
The squad has a fresh look in Watson’s first game in charge with four players returning from the Chile tour in 2023 - Petra Manderson, Katie Adamson, Kalea Norton, and Holly Chandler.
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Newcomers to national senior representation are Anaya Cole, Liz Hanna, Maude Rewha, Italia Tiatia, Hayley Flatz Jahmal Beckmannflay, Kyla Te Wano Greensill and Charlie Vail.
Watson said that the preparation on and off court has shown several strengths of the group which he wants to see impact the action against the world number 61 side.
“Our culture that started to be set at our first camp is already resonating across the entire Volley Ferns squad, so we have a great support network among the group.
“We have great experience through the likes of professional players - Anilise Fitzi and Katie Adamson as well members like Petra Manderson, who led the Volley Ferns over in Chile.
“The team carries a natural intensity, and energy behind it and across the board an athleticism that allows us to be fast and quick with our gameplay.
Watson said the group have two things in mind heading into the first match on August 12 at Carmel College.
“Speaking to some of our senior members of the squad we want to win the series," said Watson.
“As great as it is to have international-calibre ball on our home shores against our long-time friendly rivals, this is an opportunity for exposure and a stepping stone towards the Asian Championships in 2025, so we want to be hitting our set objectives – technically and culturally.
“They're wrapped about it and feel privileged that they have this opportunity. It's been rare as of late for our community to be exposed to international-level volleyball in the flesh, so to have it in our own backyard; and for this group to be the ones to be able to put it on for the community - they're stoked.”
There has been two changes to the original squad with Maria Hanabadi (eye) and Pippa Henderson (knee) forced to withdraw due to respective injuries.
They have been replaced by Beckmannflay and Te Wano Greensill. Both Beckmannflay and Te Wano Greensill are first-time inclusions in the Volley Ferns squad at senior level.
VOLLEY FERNS SQUAD
vs Volleyroos
August 12-16, 2024, Auckland
Anaya Cole (WECA)
Anilise Fitzi (Waikato/Sokol – Austria)
Charlie Vail (Harbour)
Hayley Flatz (Harbour)
Holly Chandler (Tasman)
Italia Tiatia (WECA)
Jahmal Beckmannflay (WECA)
Kalea Norton (Harbour)
Katie Adamson (Harbour)
Kyla Te Wano Greensill (Waikato)
Laina Samia (Hawke’s Bay)
Liz Hanna (Canterbury)
Maude Rewha (Waikato)
Petra Manderson (Canterbury)
VOLLEY FERNS SCHEDULE
Match 1: Carmel College, Monday, August 12
Match 2: Carmel College, Tuesday, August 13
Match 3: Carmel College, Wednesday, August 14
Match 4: Manurewa Netball Centre, Thursday, August 15
Match 5: Manurewa Netball Centre, Friday, August 16