As the Canberra Heat gazed at the silver and bronze medals draped around their necks, they immediately began to wonder how they can turn them into Australian Volleyball League gold.
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The men claimed silver while the women's side went down in a tense five-set clash with the WA Steel to claim bronze at the AVL finals in Melbourne over the weekend.
It means Canberra was the only club to claim medals in both divisions.
Heat women's coach Sue Jenkins took the reins two months ago and she is confident the best is yet to come after a 25-27, 25-18, 25-20, 22-25, 22-25 win.
"The signs are positive for next year as we will have more time to prepare for the competition," Jenkins said.
"These girls should be so proud of themselves, not only did they win the bronze medal against a strong WA Steel team but they were the only team to beat the gold medallist, the Melbourne University Blues."
While Canberra's women's side continues to build towards the top of the podium, the men's side have already edged that little bit closer.
But men's head coach Les Young concedes they could do little to stop a rampaging Queensland Pirates side on their way to a fourth title in five years.
Canberra shot out of the blocks to win the first set 25-22, but the Pirates were a class above to close out the match and win the next three sets 25-14, 25-22, and 25-19.
"We played hard but unfortunately today the Pirates were the better team. I’m so proud of the Men’s Heat team, we have worked hard to get to the grand final," Young said.
