Kadavu girls rising strong

Listen to this article:

The Kadavu Provincial Secondary School girls under-19 team during the Central/Eastern Fiji Secondary School Volleyball tournament at the National Netball Centre in Suva yesterday. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU

THE Kadavu Provincial High School under-19 girls’ volleyball team has made a powerful statement at the Central Eastern Secondary School Volleyball Championship held at the National Netball Centre in Suva yesterday, with three commanding victories that turned heads and raised expectations.

Kicking off their campaign with a nail-biting 19-16 win over Wainibuka Secondary School, the Kadavu girls demonstrated grit and determination.

They followed this with a confident 19-11 triumph against a spirited Adi Cakobau School, showcasing their growing strength and resolve.

Their momentum culminated in a stunning 20-9 rout over Suva Grammar School, a victory that left the competition on notice.

Maria Vakamoce, the dedicated teacher guiding the team, credited their success to faith and relentless effort.

“This victory was only possible thanks to the man above,” she said humbly.

She emphasized that the primary goal for Kadavu’s two teams—the under-19 boys and girls—was exposure and experience at this high level of competition.

“We brought two teams, our under-19 boys and girls,” Vakamoce explained.

“We told the students to give their best in every match. Many of the other teams have players competing in local clubs, so coming from the island posed a real challenge for us.”

For the U19 girls’ captain, Salata Tagicakiverata, the three wins exceeded all expectations.

“We came here to test ourselves, and despite our height disadvantage, we gave our best on the court,” she shared.

“Winning these three games—especially against two well-established schools—was something we never imagined.”

These victories have ignited a renewed sense of hope and determination within the Kadavu team as they head into the second day of competition.

“We initially planned to come in and put on strong performances, but these wins have boosted our confidence. We will keep pushing to make our school and supporters proud,” Tagicakiverata affirmed.

Kadavu Provincial High School’s U19 girls’ team has not only defied the odds but also inspired their community with their passion, perseverance, and outstanding skill on the volleyball court.