Grand finals are on for Hohola off-season volleyball

By JOE IVAHARIA
THE best of the best will battle out the Hohola off-season volleyball grand finals tomorrow at Hohola Volleyball courts.
In the men’s encounter, it will be a toss up between favourites Ebony Blackwoods and underdogs Pongani Panthers while in the women’s Lamana Hotel Iariva and Nomona will fight for the maiden premiership honours.
The men will clash for the Mekere Morauta shield and women for Hui Isaro Memorial Shield.
Ebony have the advantage over Panthers having beaten them twice and gained entry the easy way. But the opponent’s recent performances in three do-or-die encounters have placed them in contention for victory.
It will go down to the wire as Ebony are aware of their rival’s winning streak against top sides.
Veterans Haeae ‘Fishie’ Kavora and Harrision Kavora will lead a strong line-up of Pasa Susuve, MacDonald, Semo Iapeta, Bobby, Bume and Kae Kiia.
Panthers hitmen Robert Umbill and Loi Taunao are likely to play the lead role for their side besides Yuben Kombega, Andrew Opu, Noba Wores, N Hiovake, and Pala ‘Paps’ Pala.
Coach Napoleon Nambate said, “we have nothing to lose as a win will be a bonus for the team.”
Nambate said that both coaches will also make the difference on the sideline with their timeouts and substitutions.
“Ebony are favoured to win but we’ll try our best to frustrate them and make it our fourth upset victory,” he said.
In the women’s grand final Namona’s young hitter Oini Clive will be up front to lead her team against LH Iariva the outright favourites.
Coach Clive Bonga will also rely on Mary Sibiva, Daphinie Opu, Iasabel Garo, Netha Gabina, Justina Mark, Miria, Klesha S. Vivian J and Sariva R to bring them home.
Both sides will be under tremendous pressure to perform in front of a capacity crowd at Hohola.