Athena first team pull out of NVL to bring National Cup changes

With the new season so close, there will be no change in the divisional structure, meaning that NVL Division 1 will run with one less team. 

Athena were scheduled to play in the National Cup and had been handed a bye at the last 32 stage, meaning the team drawn to play them in the last 16 would gain a bye and automatically progress to the Quarter Finals. 

Instead, it has been decided there will now be one less Last 32 fixture – taking the total number of fixtures to six, ensuring all teams will play in at least the Last 32 and/or the Last 16. 

The draw to decide which fixture will not played, with both teams progressing automatically to the Last 16, was made this afternoon, directly after the Super Series Live Draw, and saw Malory Eagles v Lionhearts Vinarius (ball two) as the tie pulled out. 

Volleyball England can also confirm Athena’s second team (Nova) will continue to operate in Division 3 Central as normal. 

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