Volley Ferns named for Australia clash

Volley Ferns coach Adam Watson confirmed his 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 about it in Watson’s first game in charge with five players returning from the Chile tour in 2023 - Petra Manderson, Katie Adamson, Pippa Henderson, Kalea Norton, and Holly Chandler.

Meanwhile, Anaya Cole, Liz Hanna, Maude Rewha, Maria Hanabadi, Italia Tiatia, Hayley Flatz and Charlie Vail are all included at senior international level for the first time.

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 says 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," Watson said.

“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.”

Watson says the group is also relishing the chance for international play on home court.

“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.”

Volley Ferns squad v Australia
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)
Kalea Norton (Harbour)
Katie Adamson (Harbour)
Laina Samia (Hawke’s Bay)
Liz Hanna (Canterbury)
Maria Hanabadi (Harbour)
Maude Rewha (Waikato)
Petra Manderson (Canterbury)
Pippa Henderson (Canterbury)

Management staff
Head Coach: Adam Watson
Assistant Coach: Johann Timmer
Manager: Nikita Kolose
Physiotherapist: Maria Markovich

Match schedule
All matches 7pm start

Match 1: Carmel College, Monday 12 August
Match 2: Carmel College, Tuesday 13 August
Match 3: Carmel College, Wednesday 14 August
Match 4: Manurewa Netball Centre, Thursday 15 August
Match 5: Manurewa Netball Centre, Friday 16 August