Tough world league opener for Volleyroos

Australia have made a disappointing start to their World League volleyball campaign, beaten 3-0 by Belgium in Sydney and losing star player Nehemiah Mote to injury in the process.

The Volleyroos started strongly and led for most of the first set before an injury to the middle blocker seemed to halt the momentum.

Australian coach Roberto Santilli said after the match Mote had injured his knee and it looked serious.

The Australians held set point on three occasions but each time Belgium had the answer, eventually taking the opener 29-27.

Australia worked hard for the next two sets but could not keep up with a Belgian side ably led by captain Sam Deroo.

In five meetings now Australia has not been able to beat Belgium, even though the European team is ranked several places below the Volleyroos.

"I'm very disappointed, Im feeing in a very bad mood," coach Santilli said.

"We should have been doing something more today.

"Its a problem that at the end of the set you have to play better. If they dont make a mistake, we have to serve to win the set, and we couldn't do that. We have to learn how to do it."

Stand-in captain Greg Sukochev said his team made a strong start but needs to learn how to finish sets.

One positive sign for Australia was the form of replacement Opposite, Paul Carroll, who was filling in for the injured Tom Edgar.

Carroll top scored for the match with 22 points, including three blocks, as he prepares for a long World League campaign while Edgar recovers from an abdominal injury.

Australia takes on France on Saturday night, who had an impressive 3-0 win over Italy in its opening match.