Student sport stars poised for most successful season ever

Student sports stars are preparing for the most successful season in Essex history - having already secured two titles and are in the running to earn six more trophies.

The women’s basketball team and male volleyball side have already won league glory and are also in the running to win cups.

This is the fourth time both sides have won the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) Premier South League.

The women’s basketball team is eager to secure the BUCS Championship title for the first time in University history and will face-off in a quarter-final against The University of Edinburgh on February 23.

The men’s volleyball team is looking to replicate their BUCS Championship win of 2019, the first and only team to bring the title home.

The women’s volleyball team finished second in the BUCS Premier South League and will be competing in play-offs against team Northumbria.

Both volleyball teams are preparing to face off against team Northumbria on February 23.

Susy Davies, Performance Sport Manager, said: “I am immensely proud of the achievements of all of the sports teams at the University that compete in BUCS, with this year proving to be one of our best years in terms of BUCS points and institutional ranking.

“It is fantastic to see that the return to campus and with Covid-19 restrictions being lifted that the efforts of the Performance Sport staff, SU Sports Department, student clubs and volunteers are being reflected in the excellent performances that we have seen week in and week out as the season has progressed.

“With the 2020/21 BUCS season cancelled, for our teams to return to competition and perform so well this season is testament to all of the hard work of the coaches and students and the Essex Spirit that they embody.

“Our Women’s Basketball and Men’s Volleyball teams have once again excelled and with eight Premier League South titles between them are becoming a real force to be reckoned with in the highest division of the domestic University League.

“I wish all of the Essex teams good luck as they embark on their respective play-off campaigns this month.”

Away from the play-offs, the Women’s Football team is top of their league.

They will play the quarter-final of the BUCS National Trophy tonight (Wednesday) away in Nottingham.

The Women’s Tennis team is into the third round of the National Trophy and will play a home fixture on February 20.

Eleven other University teams are through the final stages of the BUCS Conference Cup and trophy competitions.

As part of the thriving competition, the University will host crunch games of the BUCS South Eastern Conference Cup Finals.

The flagship event will take place on March 9 with over 30 finals set to take place.