Champs keep squad

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

REIGNING national women’s volleyball champions Fairfax, of Port Moresby, have retained all players to defend their title this year.

Fairfax Volleyball Association president John Paliau said their women’s team was unchanged with the inclusion of Mekeo product Theresa Fagau from the Sharks club.

Paliau said all the experienced hands, including beach volleyball star Leontine Ono, Alice Ilau, Hazel Ruga and Kemmy Mamoni had been named.

He said the women’s team had been dominant at the national level for a few years now and he expected them to start as favourites again.

He said the men had not fared as well but could surprise this time around. 

The national championships will be staged at the PNGIPA facilities at Waigani, in Port Moresby, from October 25-27.

Paliau said several more Undr 21 men’s players from Uni, Freeway Hoks and Sharks had yet to be included.

Training for all players are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Murray Barracks.

The women’s Open division: Tina Ono, Mera Kila, Akice Ito, Madia Hairai, Ruth Mirou, Kemmy Manoni, Cathy Bird, Theresa Fagau, Julie Itoro, Oska Itoro, Lois Garena, Jayna Bernard,  Daphnie Opu, Andrika Garena, Michele Onglo, Oini Bonga, Angela Bonga, Josie Dick, Philo Ameisa, Hazel Ruga, Bibiana Palao, coach Terence Bite.

Men’s open division: John Soi, Damien Robson, Ogi Lelesi, Kati Apini, Junior Graham, Bala Norman, Nigel Inee, Charlie Maino, Andrew Maino, Joe Papua, Sam Joseph, Jeffery Memafu, Jeffery Foo, Junior Ovasuru, Vicken Kiki, John Raepa, coach Michael Avoa.

Women’s U21: Marie Karo, Kenny Jordan, Mamua Andrew, Alesie Udia, Dodo Natera, Melisa Walo, Pepetua Awadu, Zoe Awadu, Susa Ausapo, Ruth Jones, Tamara Wai, Stella John, Gomara Freddy, coach John Kombeng.

Men’s U21: Adrien Irepo, Ali Dick, Lexi Raepa, Rolley B Fred, Junior Foo, Ben Kila, Junior Wari, Joe Ovasuru, Bonoli Hui, Naligu Raepa, Harry Wari, Kelly Samof, Dion Kombeng, Kilu Arusa, Eddie Desmond, Noel Ologu, Daniel Pakara, Thomas Peri, coach Clive Bonga.