NEW Tendring Volleyball Club women’s head coach Fernanda Guimaraes Dos Santos believes her team can establish themselves in the Super 8s.

The newly-promoted side began their campaign with a 14-25, 17-25, 21-25 defeat at the hands of Team Northumbria on Saturday.

It was always going to be a baptism of fire, given that their opponents are the reigning league and cup winners.

But Brazilian Dos Santos, who is studying English at the University of Essex, has already seen enough from her team to know they can compete at the top table of English volleyball.

“The girls did a great job on Saturday,” said the 23-year-old, who won the State Championship in Brazil.

“Northumbria are the best team in the country but we put up a real fight and can take a lot from it.

“The Super 8s is completely different from the league below and it was always going to be a tough start, against the league champions.

“But we served well and caused them problems.

“We did our best, to make them have to play at their best, and we’ll improve as the season goes on.”

Dos Santos, who played professionally back home, is excited to be able to play and coach at Frinton-based Tendring.

“I’m very pleased to be here and have got a great opportunity to play and study,” she said.

“It’s different in Brazil.

“You either have to focus on playing or your studies and can’t do both, certainly not at this level.

“I’m really looking forward to the season and am excited about it.

“Tendring have great support and I believe we can finish in the top half of the table.”