Fairfax defeat Vava to win men’s volleyball title

The National Sports

By LARRY ANDREW
THE Vabukori Amateur Volleyball Association’s (Vava) hopes of claiming their 15th national men’s volleyball title were dashed as Fairfax sealed a 3-0 win in the final in Lae yesterday.
In the women’s final, the National Capital District Volleyball Association was given a scare by Fairfax before claiming the title with a 3-2 victory.
Fairfax, led by captain and setter John Soi, Rolly Forova, Andrew Kapi, Ela GladStone and Junior Foo, took control early to win the first set 25-23.
The second set saw 14-time champions Vava attempt a comeback but fell a point shot.
Captain Gia Kapa helped Junior Harold Gima, Junior Taera Momo, Tau Muri and Boio Steven find space to place the ball in their opposition territory.
But Kapa and his boys could not contain Fairfax’s spiking trio of Gladstone, Forova and Foo, who helped their side win the second set 25-20.
Two sets up, it was no turning back for Fairfax as they played their hearts out in the third set to deny Vava from winning the third set.
Fairfax’s determination to snatch the title away from Vava paid off in the third set as they humbled the reigning champions 25-20.
Soi told The National that it was pleasing to finally claim the title.
“We met Vava in the last two finals but we lost. This year, we put in a little more effort to finally win the title,” he said. “The players are very excited that we won the title in our third consecutive attempt against Vava. The players were told to put up a strong cover defence and use every opportunity through our spikes to get points.
“We were confident about beating Vava and we did it. Credit must go the players, coach and the team management.”
Kapa said his players did well in their games but were playing a catchup volleyball in the final.
“Fairfax gave us a good run in 2017 when we won 3-1 and 2018 (3-2). This year, they gave us good challenge and were the better side.
“We’ve won 14 consecutive title and losing this one is hard for the team to take. Winning is in our bloos and today (Sunday) was disappointing. But we are coming back next year stronger to take back the title.”