Day 5 Of The Volleyball Competition in Suva!
The first game of the day was between Tonga and New Zealand however, this time in the zonal competition. It was clear from the start New Zealand held authority on the court, thrashing Tonga in their first set 25 – 12. The second set went in a similar manner, Tonga fought back, showing fantastic skill and team work, however still falling short losing the set 25 – 16. Tonga still kept going through the third set, but today just wasn’t their match as New Zealand took another win 25 -12, winning the game 3 – 0.
Second to the court were Fiji White and Fiji Blue with a nation on nation battle. The first set started with Fiji Blue taking the lead however, Fiji White weren’t far behind storming to the lead and winning the set 25 – 21. Fiji Blue seemed to lose their momentum in the second set as Fiji White took another win 25 – 18. In the third set of the game Fiji Blue were back on form taking the win 25 – 17. Tensions were high as the men prepared for the fourth set of the match. Both teams pulled out all the stops fighting to the very end for the win, however Fiji White weren’t quite a match for Fiji Blue who took their second win 25 – 20 setting the score at 2 – 2. Suspense was high for the fifth and final set, both teams showing outstanding performance throughout. Fiji Blue clearly weren’t leaving without that win, managing to just take the lead over Fiji White winning the set 15 –12 and the match 3 – 2! The teams shook hands as they left the court with smiles from both sides.
Up next were Fiji White and The Cook Islands. The game started off with The Cook Islands dominating the floor and taking the lead. The Cook Islands picked up their momentum, however it was too late to catch up to Fiji White who took the win at 25 – 16. In the second set the tensions were high as Fiji White and The Cook Islands raced through the set neck and neck. It was unclear which was it would go as The Cook Islands put up a fantastic fight. Fiji White just stole the win again for the set 25 – 23. In the third set it was obvious from the start Fiji White held the power, The Cook Islands seeming to have lost their motivation as the set neared its end, finishing on 25 – 12 to Fiji White. Therefore the match ended on a 3 – 0 win the Fiji White.
The girls were up next with a game from Fiji Blue and The Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands started off slow in the first set giving Fiji Blue an easy win, 25 – 13. As the second set started, The Solomon Islands upped their game as the two teams stormed through the set, no mercy given. However, just falling short The Solomon Islands lost the second set 25 – 19. As the third set began, The Solomon Islands girls were more determined than ever as they battled through the set neck and neck throughout. In the end The Solomon Islands came out on top, taking the set 25 – 23. As the girls started their fourth set it was unclear which way it would go, with both teams showing some outstanding volleyball. However, The Solomon Islands appeared to become lackadaisical as they got into the set, therefore Fiji Blue took the win of the set with a whopping 25 – 11 win, in turn winning the game 3 – 1.
The penultimate game was between Tonga and Fiji in the Men’s Volleyball world qualifier phase 1 match. The game started with Fiji taking the lead, having a fantastic spike come from Raratabu. Tonga caught up, showing no mercy fighting for the win. Fiji still kept the lead however, scoring a 25 – 18 win. The second set panned out similarly, with both teams showing some outstanding volleyball, however Tonga just weren’t up to the match of Fiji today as Fiji won the second set again with 25 – 18. The second set started strong from both teams, however as Fiji gained their motivation nearing the end of the set, Tonga’s appeared to slip, therefore the set ending with another win from Fiji 25 – 14. The result of the game coming out at 3 – 0 to Fiji!
The sixth and final game of the day was back to the zonal competition between The Solomon Islands and Fiji Black. Fiji Black took the lead throughout the game, coming out as the stronger team, however it was very close in each set. The Solomon Islands just weren’t up to the standard of Fiji Black on today. The first set finished on 25 – 21 to Fiji Black, the second 25 – 21 again and the third 25 – 23 all to Fiji Black. As you can see from all three sets, The Solomon Islands were so close however just falling short each time. It was a well-played match from both sides and an interesting watch!
Tomorrow marks the final day of the zonals and also the Men’s Volleyball World Qualifier Phase 1, so don’t miss out and come down to watch!
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By Jessica Carruthers
Day 4 Of The Volleyball Competition in Suva!
Today marked the fourth day of the games and it was an exciting day to say the least. Not only did it consist of four zonal matches, it closed with the first match of the Men’s Volleyball World Qualification Phase 1 between New Zealand and Tonga.
The first game held in the morning was between Fiji Blue and The Solomon Islands. From the first set it was clear that Fiji Blue were the dominant team as they stormed to the lead, winning the set 25 – 13. As the second set began, Fiji Blue were pulling out all the stops, it was obvious they were in for the win. As the set neared the end, Fiji Blue finished on a huge win of 25 – 5. It seemed there was no hope for The Solomon Islands as they went into the third set. Although they did seem to make a slight comeback, Fiji Blue took the win 25 – 15.
The second match was between The Cook Islands and The Solomon Islands women. The first set was extremely tight with both teams giving it their all. However, The Solomon Islands managed to scrape the win with a score of 25 – 21. The second set again was very close, although The Solomon Islands kept their dominance on the court, taking another win of 25 – 19. The Cook Islands appeared lackadaisical as the third set showed The Solomon Islands gaining the win, finishing on 25 -15 to The Solomon Islands. Although it wasn’t the best game from The Cook Islands, their team spirit radiated throughout the match, portraying their joy for the sport.
Up next from the girls was Fiji White against Fiji Blue. Both teams played a brilliant match throughout, showing outstanding team work. The first set started off strong from both sides, it being unclear which way the game would go. However, as the set neared the end Fiji White raced ahead winning 25 – 21. The second set was of a similar standard with both teams playing exceptionally. Yet again, Fiji White managed to get ahead winning again with 25 -22. In the third set the teams were neck and neck throughout, however Fiji White came out on top with a win of 27 – 25. It was definitely a match to remember and one to be proud of from both Fijian teams on their home soil.
The Cook Islands and The Solomon Islands were up next in the last game of the Zonals for the day. Both teams started off strong, however throughout the match became inconsistent. The game overall was close, however The Cook Islands fell short appearing to lose motivation towards the end. The results for the sets coming in at 21 – 25, 25 – 23 and 25 – 16 to The Solomon Islands resulting in a 3 – 0 win. Although The Cook Islands match wasn’t their strongest, similar to their women’s team, their enthusiasm was persistent throughout.
The final match of the evening was the first of the Men’s Volleyball World Qualification Phase 1 games between New Zealand and Tonga. The game started with the national anthems from both Tonga and New Zealand, a sense of national pride flooded the arena. The first set started off with New Zealand initially taking the lead, however Tonga fought back with fury. The set carried out with the teams neck and neck leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats. New Zealand managed to take the win with the set finishing on 26 – 28. Set two showed incredible dedication from both teams yet again, however it wasn’t enough for Tonga as New Zealand took the win again, 25 – 19. In the third set Tonga took the lead at the beginning putting up an outstanding fight, however New Zealand caught up and took another win at 25 – 21, winning the match 3 – 0! All in all, it was a very well-played game from both teams showing some outstanding volleyball.
Overall, the day was a success leaving the crowd on edge throughout. All teams put up a fight for each match and showed enthusiasm throughout the day. We look forward to seeing how the competition will continue to unfold over the final two days left.
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By Jessica Carruthers
Latest News
Day 3 Of The Volleyball Competition in Suva!
The competition is in full swing as we reach the end of our third day, marking the halfway stage of the tournament. Today’s games were as enticing as ever, with a total of five matches being held throughout the day and into the night.
The first match of the day was between women’s Fiji Blue and The Solomon Islands, keeping us on the edge of our seats throughout. The first set couldn’t have been closer with both teams fighting for the win, however Fiji Blue took the lead scraping a victory at 26 – 24. Both teams showed a fighting stamina throughout the second set, however this time The Solomon Islands took the win, finishing the set on 26 – 24. The game appeared unpredictable as the teams began their third set, however Fiji Blue regained the lead winning with 25 – 23. The pressure was on as the teams took to the fourth set, but Fiji Blue won again with 25 – 20, resulting in a 3 – 1 win to Fiji Blue!
Next to take the court was New Zealand and The Solomon Islands. New Zealand started the match with a performance of the ‘haka’, a traditional war cry dance used to scare the opposing team. This definitely worked a treat as from the start New Zealand stormed into the lead, winning the first set with a whopping 25 – 12. The Solomon Islands appeared deflated as they prepared for the second set – but they fought back! Both teams were neck and neck on the lead up to the end of the set. Unfortunately for The Solomon Islands this wasn’t quite good enough as New Zealand scraped to the lead with a win of 25 – 23. Tensions were high as the third set commenced, however it was clear New Zealand were the stronger team, winning the third and final set 25 – 18; in turn, winning the match 3 – 0!
The next match of the day was between Fiji White and The Cook Islands. The dominant team was apparent from the start as Fiji White stormed through the first set with a 25- 11 win. The following sets had the same result with Fiji White obliterating The Cook Islands in both. The second set scoring at 15 – 25 and the third at 10 – 25, resulting in a 3 – 0 win for Fiji White! Although it was clear The Cook Islands weren’t a match for Fiji White, their enthusiasm and team spirit withheld throughout the match.
The girls were next to play, Fiji White Vs Cook Islands. It started off with a close round, however Fiji White crept to the lead and won the set, 25 – 18. The following two sets showed Fiji White to excel in both. While The Cook Islands put up a good fight, it wasn’t enough to beat the Fiji White girls. The final two sets stood at 25 – 15 and 25 – 11 to Fiji White.
Last on the court for the day were Fiji Black and The Solomon Islands. The first set saw a strong set from both teams, however it was clear Fiji Black were dominant on the court, winning the set 25 – 20. Fiji Black continued to strive this round, whereas the Solomon Islands appeared to deteriorate, with the set finishing on 25 – 15. The Solomon Islands continued to push themselves in the third set, however again falling short with the set finishing on 25 - 16 To Fiji Black. So the final match of the day finished on 3 – 0 to Fiji Black!
All in all, the day has shown fantastic team spirit throughout as the team’s power through the zonal qualifier. Tomorrow the zonal qualifier will continue alongside The World Championship Qualification Phase 1 consisting of Tonga, New Zealand and Fiji as the competing teams. When asked if they were happy with their performance in the Zonal, Ben Glue, the New Zealand Captain stated “it started slow as we are all from different areas in New Zealand so don’t have as much opportunity to play, but I am happy with the leap we have made ready for tomorrow!”
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By Jessica Carruthers
Day 2 of the Volleyball World Qualifying and Zonal Championship
As day 2 comes to a close, the time has come to recap today’s outstanding Volleyball events.
The first game of the day was between Tonga and Fiji White. From the start Fiji White took the lead, finishing the first set 25 – 13. However, Tonga fought back winning the 2nd set 25 – 22, causing the crowd to stir. This sense of victory didn’t last long, as Fiji White stormed back to the lead winning the final two sets, 25 – 17 and 20 – 25!
The next game was between Fiji Blue and Fiji Black. The game appeared close as the first set was won by Fiji Blue 25 -21. Fiji Black hit back, scoring 25 – 18 in the second set of the match. However, mirroring Tonga in the first match they also lost the second two sets as Fiji Blue scored 25 – 19 and 25 – 18 in the final two sets; in turn winning the game 3 – 1!
As we moved on to the third match of the day, Tonga looked to be in great stead as they played against The Cook Islands. Smashing the first round with a whopping 25 – 11 win. They didn’t hold back as they flew through the second set winning 25 – 16. The Cook Islands put up a good fight in the final set, achieving 20 on the board but Tonga were too good as they swiftly reached 25 taking a 3 – 0 win!
The penultimate match of the evening was between Fiji Blue and Cook Islands women. Fiji Blue were obviously on top form throughout the match, taking high wins on the first two sets, achieving 25 – 11 for both. In the third and final set of the match, The Cook Islands were seen to fight back. However, this wasn’t good enough to take on Fiji Blue, as they won the final set 25 – 16.
As we drew closer to the end of the night, Fiji Black and New Zealand had the last match. New Zealand started off the match a player down as an accident in the hotel the night before rendered Daryl Lewis injured. He had whacked his head “on a low beam” and ended up in A&E last night! He can’t have been hurt too bad as although he was named reserve, he was seen on the court after the first set.
In the first set New Zealand appeared almost lackadaisical on the court as Fiji Black took a convincing win 25 – 18. However, they picked up their game winning the second set 25 – 20. Fiji Black appeared to take a comeback in the third set, however just falling short as New Zealand took the set 25 – 21. In the fourth and final set of the day, New Zealand demoralised Fiji Black storming to the end of the match winning 25 – 15.
Today has shown outstanding enthusiasm from not only the participating teams, but also the fans that came down to watch and show their support. We look forward to seeing you all again as we continue the games tomorrow!
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By, Jessica Carruthers and Matilda Buss
The first Day of the World Championship and Oceania Qualifiers
What a fantastic opening to this week of volleyball!
Today we’ve had the privilege of witnessing some incredible volleyball so early on in the tournament. Fiji Blue, New Zealand men’s and Fiji White, Solomon Islands women’s teams gave us a treat today, kicking off the tournament with a bang. They gave us a very interesting watch that had us all on the edges of our seats for the duration of their play! But before we had any play, we had the opening ceremony.
Our President gave a beautiful speech about how honoured we are, as Fiji, to be hosting such an event. We then heard from Dr Robin Mitchell and the Events Manager James Summer who both told us to expect great things from this weeks’ tournament. It is going to be a tough contest for all of the teams this year.
After what was an informative opening speech Dr Robin Mitchell officially opened the tournament by serving a match ball across the net – very successfully I might add! Now it was time for the competition to begin!
The day started with an extremely close contest between the Men’s teams Fiji Blue and New Zealand. They both played some incredible volleyball but New Zealand started it off by winning the first set, but not by much and Fiji where not disheartened.They came back fighting and won the next two sets convincingly, they were still in it! With the scores 2 – 1 to Fiji Blue, New Zealand hit back and won the 4th set, it was going to have to go to a 5th set decider! After what can only be described as an inspirational effort Fiji just lost their final set leaving New Zealand victorious. Congratulations to the winners but it is all still to play for in this Phase 1 Men’s World Qualifiers.
Next we had the Women’s volleyball, Fiji White Vs Solomon Islands. From the start Fiji White looked to be in control. They won their first set and no one seemed to have any doubt- that they had this! They were a sure win! But just as the Fiji Men did the previous match, the Solomon Islands came back fighting; only they weren’t as successful. It was a much closer set but Fiji Blue won the second set. Fiji Blue had asserted themselves by this point, they were going to win. In a flash the match was finished and Fiji Blue had beaten Solomon Islands 3-0.
What a start to this tournament, we just can’t wait to see what the rest of the week holds! Remember you can follow us on all of our social media to keep up to date with lives scores and even live video footage:
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By Matilda Buss
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Current EventsCalendar of current and upcoming events for Fiji Volleyball Federation.
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National TeamsWho are the National Reps for Volleyball Fiji? Click here to find out more...
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Photo GalleryHere are photos from some of the events held by FVF and its National Teams.
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