TENDRING Volleyball Club's women's Super 8s team suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to top-of-the-table Team Northumbria.

Despite their long journey from Newcastle, the visitors looked sharp in the warm-up and started strongly, showing off their multitude of top division Americans.

Tendring made a shaky start, especially in receive against some very strong Northumbria servers.

Despite putting up a fight and several great swings from Mechell Daniel, Northumbria took the first set 25-12.

Moving into the second set, however, there was a noticeable shift in Tendring’s approach.

They quickly gained momentum, beating their visitors to the first technical time-out.

Secured by some great defence from libero Lena Bitadou, and some equally brilliant serving from Charlotte Bontems, they continued their lead, beating Northumbria to the second technical.

However, from a strong and experienced side, it was no surprise that Northumbria fought back and a tactful service run secured the set 25-22.

All was not over for Tendring, going into the third set.

Everyone was determined to take the game to five.

After another strong start and a great connection between setter Lois Chitticks and outside Sarah Edwards, the third set began very much like the previous one.

As it continued, Tendring and Northumbria were virtually neck-and-neck, challenging each other on serve receive and defence.

After a hard-fought battle up to the second technical time-out, however, Northumbria, with all their power, began to take the lead, finishing the set 25-21.

Although a 3-0 loss for Tendring, there were many positives to be taken from the game, many of which will prepare them for their next game against Durham.

This game is taking place at the Essex University sports centre on Friday night (7.30pm).

Tendring then have another home game against Wessex on Saturday (5.45pm).