Scorpions aim to retain title

The Eda Tech Scorpions will be aiming to make it two in a-row when they take on the Lavukoloa in the NCD Volleyball Association men’s premier grand final at Taurama Aquatic Centre tomorrow.
Since the departure of former setter Alpha Pala early this season Scorpions have reverted to a 4-2 system, using Junior Koi and Tony Pamas as setter/hitters, which has worked well.
Andy Sinari, George David, Giaralema Gima and Danny Guma will complete their strong starting lineup.
Lavukoloa lost 3-2 in a nail-biting finish to Scorpions in the major semifinal, then recovered to turn the tables on Jamas last Saturday, in a tie breaker.
This should lift their (Lavukoloa) confidence going into the final, and for a village team in their maiden season, it is a big achievement.
The Gereka men have former PNG blocker Jeffery Charlie,  who has a high success rate with his inside and outside cuts — something Scorpions’ defence must be alert for at all times.
Charlie will have the support of John Paul and Raymond Ovinou but Lavukoloa’s setting options have to improve to minimise free balls that Scorpions will convert into kills and hurt them.
Scorpions will have a tougher battle in the women’s premier when they take on Telikom.
The technicians have a balanced line up of  Bibiana Paloa, Madia Hairai, Kemmi Manoni, Franky Daton, Jynar Bernard and Mera Kila and have lost only one game this season.
Scorpions have Helai Oala and Michelle Walo outside hitting, Isa Hicks and Geno Guma in the middle blocks with Melisa Pokana setting and Alu Aunama opposite.
With Hicks solid in the middle and Oala and Walo outside, they can match Telikom but good ball control in reception and defence will be vital.
Although Telikom have dominated the whole season with the players they have, performance on the day will determine the outcome of this match.
It will be Ela Motors’ power-play against Jamas’ speed in the men’s A grade grand final.