Lavukoloa, Raukele prevail

By ROBINSON LEKA
Lavukoloa are the new champions after the Vabukori Volleyball Association (Vava) premiers defeated title holders Eda Tech Scorpions 3-1 in the men’s final of the National Volleyball Club Championships in Port Moresby on Sunday.
Lavukoloa, who are also tournament rookies, outshone a more experienced Scorpions side in a thrilling match.
Lavukoloa coach Michael Charlie credited their win to his youngsters, who showed great skill to play as a team and read their opponents’ moves.
Happy with the result, Charlie said Vava would now look to repeat their dominance at the national championships in Lae.
In the women’s division, Fairfax Volleyball premiers Raukele Dolphins took out the title after defeating Huon Gulf Volleyball Association’s Black Arrows in the final on Sunday.
Tournament director Kila Oli was pleased with the turnout of teams and the level of competitiveness over the weekend.
“Many years ago, the tournament was lopsided with Moresby teams dominating but not now,” he said. “Teams from outside the National Capital District have really improved their skills and most of these sides bowed out of the tournament after close matches. The competition level was very tight and the teams from Morobe had improved drastically.
“There’s a lot of talented youngsters who are able to play at very competitive levels.”
Meanwhile, the Papua New Guinea Volleyball Federation will be hosting the national beach volleyball championships at the Sir John Guise Stadium this weekend.