THE Kulawai side to the Pacific Games will be using the Vulaca Volleyball Championship to gauge the performance of its players in the national squad.
Majority of the players in the squad are from the Central Eastern associations and the championship will be an ideal platform for the coaches to gauge the strength and weaknesses of the players.
The women’s competition started last night at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva.
Kulawai manageress Semaima Lagilagi said they would also be on the lookout for talented players during the championship.
“We have a squad of 16 players. There were two players from the Western Division who pulled out of the team because of some personal commitment,” Lagilagi said.
“Since all of the players in the squad are from the Central Eastern divisions, this championship gives us the opportunity to gauge the fitness and skill level of the players.”
Lagilagi said majority of the players in the national squad were from Suva.
Seniors reps such as Anaseini Seniloli, Silivia Masi and Torika Nuku will lead the charge for the Capital City side. Youngsters Vasiti Baleilomaloma and Miriama Francis, who are also in the national squad, will lead the Vatuwaqa side.
“We are looking forward to seeing some exciting new talents from the new associations like Newtown, Qauia and Nadawa,” Lagilagi added.
The men’s competition will begin today.
* For draws, see Page 49
