Women’s volleyball continuing to improve, says Oli

DESPITE not competing at this year’s Pacific Games, competition in women’s volleyball remains strong, says PNG Volleyball Federation vice-president Kila Oli.
Oli, who spoke with The National at the end of the national volleyball club championships in Port Moresby, said a lack international matches for the women’s team was a setback.
“We have speed, skills and height,” he said.
“But it’s just that we don’t have enough international exposure.
“We have a fairly strong women’s team, unfortunately they did not make it to the Pacific Games.
“Domestically, we are good. We can match countries like Tahiti, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna as well.
“Our women’s side are up there but we just need that exposure overseas to give them that confidence and also improve their skills
“So that they can play the game at a competitive level.” Oli said the depth of talent shown in the women’s division during the club championships was a positive sign for the code domestically and internationally.
“The quality and skills shown in the tournament have really improved,” he said.
“We’ve seen a lot of teams come with set patterns of play.
“Many of their players know the basics quite well and the matches were mostly competitive.
“We’ve seen a drastic improvement in skill levels and team discipline. Team patterns have really improved.”