Australian Volleyroo athletes Alexia Zammit, Cassie Dodd, Ella Schabort and Sarah Burton returned to the court for the Reds State League Women on Saturday night, playing key roles in the Reds’ 3-1 victory over Chequers in Round 12 of the 2026 WAVL State League season.
Bringing a wealth of international and collegiate experience back to the Reds program following successful campaigns overseas and with the Australian national team, the quartet were in blistering form as the Reds ran out 25-17, 21-25, 25-20, 25-19 winners.
Back in Action: Lexi Zammit, Cassie Dodd, Sarah Burton and Ella Schabort post-match in the Reds Round 12 win.
Fresh from representing Australia at the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup in Candon City, Philippines, where the Volleyroos secured an impressive sixth-place finish, Schabort was excited to be back home and representing the Reds.
“It has been so much fun playing with such a fantastic group of teammates and coaches. Being back in my hometown and pulling on the Reds jersey was a really special moment in my volleyball journey,” Schabort said.
A dominant display: Ella Schabort in action for the Reds and Australia at the AVC Nation’s Cup.
Dodd returned after an outstanding NCAA Division I beach volleyball season with UCLA, playing an integral role in the Bruins’ National Championship campaign while also earning selection to the UCLA Athletics All-Academic Team. Saturday night’s match marked her first appearance for the Reds since being part of the club’s maiden WAVL State League Women’s premiership in 2020.
“The last indoor game I played for Reds was nearly six years ago, so stepping back onto the court in front of family and friends after such a long time was incredibly special. Getting back into the rhythm of training and matches, while helping strengthen our State League squad alongside my Reds teammates, has been really enjoyable” Dodd said.
All Smiles: Cassie Dodd in action for UCLA and Reds.
Zammit also returned following another successful collegiate campaign in the United States, guiding Cal Poly Pomona to back-to-back CCAA Tournament titles, with the Broncos also securing a fourth consecutive CCAA regular season championship.
“Returning to compete in the WAVL is always a great experience and incredibly rewarding. To share the court with close friends and reconnecting with coaches is lots of fun and I can’t wait to be back on court again soon,” Zammit said.
Setting Up A Storm: Lexi Zammit returning to Perth from Cal Poly Pomona.
Burton recently concluded her collegiate beach volleyball career at the University of Hawaiʻi and has relished the opportunity to reunite with former teammates and Reds coach Kenrick Armitage as she transitions back to the indoor court.
“There is nothing quite like coming home, playing alongside friends, having family in the stands and wearing the red again. It has been so rewarding to be back involved with our Reds community and supporting our awesome club,” Burton said.
Only The Bold: Sarah Burton back in black as Reds State League libero.
Armitage, who has coached all four athletes throughout their school and club careers, was thrilled to see the group reunited in Reds colours.
“It has been incredible watching the girls grow and achieve amazing things in volleyball, but most importantly, seeing them return home to play in the State League, coach across our Reds and Penrhos College programs, and be outstanding ambassadors for their school and club while serving as incredible role models for the next generation of girls coming through our programs,” Armitage said.
The Reds State League Women return to action this Friday night when they host Apex at Aquinas College, with first serve scheduled for 6:00pm.
