New volleyball coach Graeme Mentor couldn't have hoped for better start to his reign when the UCT men's side beat Saints Volleyball Club 3-1 in their pre-season friendly at the university recently.

Mentor, who has been at the helm of the team for only a few weeks, saw his side beat Saints 27-25, 25-23, 17-25 and 25-22 in a nail-biting encounter. Outside-hitter and man of the match, Chris Mlotchwa, impressed with his attacking and diving skills (a good thing in volleyball), as did new setter Shukri Toefy, who controlled the front row.

The women's team got to flex their muscles late last week when they kicked off their campaign with a friendly against old rivals Cape Tech. Both UCT sides will compete in the season-opening tournament on March 19 to 21, hosted by the WP Volleyball Union.

Both the women's and the men's first teams aim at a top-four finish in the league this year, with the second men's team setting their sights on promotion from the first division to the Premier League. The second women's team will only be entered into the league for the second round, which begins in July, giving them the opportunity to prepare properly.