Vava spikers set

TWELVE associations, including defending and eight-time champions Vabukori, will compete in the National Open volleyball championship in Alotau this weekend.
To challenge the VAVA men and women are National Capital District, Fairfax, Huon Gulf, Hula, EBCO, Koiari, Lakwaharu, Tatana Araira, Kiunga, West Tawala (Milne Bay) and hosts Alotau.
The Taikone, Popondetta and Sohe associations will not take part in the tournament.
Teams are divided into two pools of six, with the top two teams in each pool qualifying for the knockout stage.
The winners advance to the grand finals on Sunday. The four pools will be confirmed today.

Last year the VAVA men beat Tatana in a close contest, while their women won against Fairfax.
VAVA are well prepared and equipped to capture their ninth (men’s) and second (women’s) consecutive crowns.
VAVA captain Ravu Mahuru is confident the task in Alotau will be achieved.
He said this year’s team had players from their eight previous victories sprinkled with five new players.
Mahuru’s deadly weapons are his deputy Tui Kapa, Veupu Kila, Vele Kila, Jeff Charlie, Kala Kila, added with debutants and the Kerema connection of Ogi Lelesi, Tau Muri and Forova Miki, who will play a vital role in defence.
Teenagers Andy Sinari, 19, and Harold Gima Jr, 16, have been given the nod to debut in the open men’s division.
Mahuru said the players were taking all the games seriously and they would not underestimate any team.
“We are aware that NCD, Fairfax, Huon, Tatana and EBCO (Kila Kila) from nation’s capital will be our toughest opposition besides Hula, Koiari, Lakwharu, Kiunga, West Tawala and hosts Alotau in the men’s and women’s division,” he said.
NCD have top guns Ula Gima, Opa Mea, Miria Geita and a host of newcomers as they try to improve on their previous performance and pose a serious threat to VAVA.
Teams started travelling to the Milne Bay capital from Tuesday for tomorrow’s (Friday) opening ceremony and the first pool round of pool matches.
Alotau is packed to capacity with volleyball players and as well as visitors for the Kanu Festival there next week.
PNG Volleyball Federation president Turaho Morea thanked Minister for National Planning and Alotau Open parliamentarian Charles Abel for being the major contributor in the upgrading of the facilities to be used during the championship.
Morea said the major sponsor of the championship would be announced today. (Thursday)