Medal contenders emerge at volleyball

The third day of the Sol2023 Pacific Games volleyball tournament at Honiara’s Friendship Hall saw intense competition in both men’s and women’s matches as medal contenders began to emerge.

In the opening men’s pool match, Samoa asserted dominance over Kiribati throughout the three sets, securing a victory that resonated across the Friendship Court as the final whistle echoed.

A similar story unfolded in the clash between New Caledonia and Tonga. New Caledonia comfortably claimed the first set 25-14 and maintained their momentum to win 3-0.

New Caledonia men, who won silver in this competition last time out in Samoa, are already looking like one of the teams to beat at Sol2023.

In the women’s tournament, Fiji secured a notable 3-1 victory over Samoa. Despite not picking up a medal at Samoa 2019, Fiji’s promising performances at Sol2023 hint at their podium potential here.

Defending Samoa 2019 women’s volleyball gold medallists New Caledonia demonstrated their dominance once again, defeating Tuvalu 3-0, while Tahiti, who won silver last time out, breezed past PNG 3-0.

The day’s final match in the women’s tournament saw American Samoa defeat Solomon Islands 3–0.

In Monday’s other men’s matches, Samoa beat Kiribati 3-0, Fiji defeated Tuvalu 3-1 and PNG beat American Samoa 3-1.

Volleyball continues to attract vocal crowds at Honiara’s Friendship Hall and resumes at 9am on Tuesday.

By Walter Sale, Pacific Games News Service