The Fiji men’s indoor volleyball team returned to winning ways defeating American Samoa by three sets to one in their second group match yesterday.
Friendship Hall in Honiara came alive as Fiji spiked away Friday night’s loss with a commanding performance which had even the American Samoa fans applauding.
Fijian athletes who did not have games yesterday showed up in their Team Fiji colours to cheer on the national men’s volleyball side.
Winning two straight sets, Fiji was forced to dig deep as American Samoa took out the third set.
The national side banded together in the fourth and final set to clinch the win.
An emotional head coach Tevita Lewetuilovo held back his tears as he commended his team’s performance.
“We wanted to prove that we can also play volleyball. “I’m lost for words, we had so many challenges building up to the Games and most of these players are struggling everyday.
“Most of them live in areas regarded as red zone in Fiji, associated with a tainted image. This sport of volleyball has changed their lives for the better.
“They had a baptism of fire on Friday night, they sorted themselves out and today (yesterday) they’ve come out firing,” the head coach shared.
Fiji will play Tuvalu and Papua New Guinea next in their next pool matches.
- Sets: 1st set: Fiji 25 – 18 ASA, 2nd set: Fiji 25 – 17 ASA, 3rd set: Fiji 18 – 25 ASA, 4th set: Fiji 25 – 14 ASA
