Ela Motors double header – curse or blessing

By FRANKLIN KOLMA
THE pressure is on Ela Motors to maintain their fourth placing when they face the leading Snipers and second placed Scorpions in their Nambawan Trophy NCD volleyball men’s premier double header on Saturday at the Taurama Leisure Centre courts.
The Toyota dealer’s setter Willie Porter and hitters Lahui One and Morea Banjo know they have a tough assignment containing two sides that are on a roll.
The Snipers have yet to be beaten and all roads point to their victory, while the Scorpions look ready to sting. Ela Motors will have to reach deep if they hope to remain in the top five.
All other teams will be hoping the car firm can pull the two big wins off as that would see a shift in placements that will benefit all. Jason Nauga’s transition into setting role has elevated Vanama’s performance to another level.
This weekend, their momentum should see them contain Vailima, while U-Mi Yet should end their three-game losing run when they take on the Bullets, who have been performing poorly lately.
Scorpions, currently running fourth on the ladder, will have a big task containing second-placed After Dark in the women’s premier matches.
After Dark attackers are quick at the net and back court, and the stinger’s defensive cover must be alert at all times. Vailima will miss setter Bala Livares’ service. She will be away tomorrow when they take on an inconsistent Idubada side.  But Vailima have Priscilla Lopena to fill in.
In the other women’s games, Bullets will give pacesetters U-Mi Yet a challenge and YWCA will be in high spirits after their morale boosting victory last Saturday when they go up against Snipers.