Vanuatu, Australia show class in opening day beach volleyball wins
The Sol2023 Pacific Games beach volleyball defending champions and two of the region’s highest ranked nations showcased their flair in outclassing their opponents on day one of the Sol2023 Pacific Games Beach Volleyball competition on Tuesday.
Vanuatu’s women’s and Australia’s men’s teams made easy work of their opponents to win their opening matches at SIFF Academy.
Vanuatu, ranked 58th in world beach volleyball, kicked off their campaign with a convincing straight sets (2-0) victory over Tuvalu.
Vanuatu’s pairing of Sherysyn Toko, playing alongside Majabelle Lawac, told the Pacific Games News Service: “We are so happy! This is our first match and to get off with a win is just amazing. We have only played together the last two years and so far things are coming into place. We look forward to the competition and we will do our best to defend our titles”.
Australia, ranked 13th in the world, also kicked off their campaign in scintillating fashion, beating New Caledonia in straight sets (2-0).
Pacific Games debutants Ben Hood and D’artagnan Potts said: “We are truly excited about competing at this Games and to get a win on our first time out will definitely calm the nerves – get it out of the way. The focus now will be on games ahead.”
Asked what they expect out of the event, the pair said, “The goal is definitely to try and make it to the gold medal match, get on the podium and do our nation proud”.
He added that the competition will be a big boost for them and their newish partnership, citing good communication and coordination being key for them to win matches.
The day’s other results saw straight set victories (2-0) for Solomon Islands’ men’s team over Marshall Islands, Tahiti over Samoa, Fiji over Papua New Guinea and Palau over Tuvalu.
Pool matches continue on Wednesday. Entrance is $30.
By Shoreyann Ragoso, Pacific Games News Service
