PNG Volleyball team eases past New Caledonia

Team PNG Men’s Volleyball continued their strong start at the Pacific Mini Games, defeating New Caledonia 3-1 in sets.

Led by skipper Rolly Forova, the team delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Nauru in their opening match on Monday, before holding off a determined New Caledonia side this afternoon at the Palau National Gymnasium in Koror.

PNG Volleyball Federation President Edward Aisi told NBC News that the team has adapted well to the environment and is on track for a podium finish.

“The team is slowly settling in despite the differences in weather and food. They’re ready for tomorrow’s matches against the Federated States of Micronesia and Kiribati,” Aisi said.

“After the pool matches, I’m confident they will advance to the gold medal playoff.”

The Amoa side got off to a strong start in the opening set, with Forova and veteran Junior Harold Gima setting the tone with powerful strikes to secure a 25-19 win.

First-time setter Victor Pala orchestrated the offense with confidence, supported by fellow Under-19 talents Leo Aisi and Ula Numa. The inclusion of other U19 players Ramontina Oki, Elison Bobby, Ila Wally, and Gerald Oki, has also proven valuable on and off the court, according to coach Ula Gima.

New Caledonia fought back in the second set with a strong 25-18 win, but PNG regrouped and claimed the third set by the same scoreline, 25-18.

The 2023 Pacific Games silver medalists dominated the fourth set, closing out the match with a convincing 25-15 win.

“We executed as expected, although there were moments when we couldn’t break their serve quickly, which shifted the momentum,” said coach Gima.

“But the boys regrouped in the third set, raising their level with consistent play and solid ball control. In the fourth set, we decided to end it there by applying pressure on their service reception, which disrupted their offense and allowed us to attack from all over the court.”

“It was a convincing win, true teamwork from start to finish. Hats off to the boys for staying calm and composed even when things weren’t going our way.”

PNG’s performance has been built on a structured attacking and defensive system under national coach Mathew Walo, who led the team to a silver medal at the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands.
Aisi remains confident that PNG is well-positioned for a finals appearance.

“After these pool games, the top four teams will play in the semi-finals on Friday. At the moment, the top contenders are Tahiti, PNG, Wallis and Futuna, and New Caledonia,” he said.

“If all goes well, PNG could face Wallis and Futuna, and Tahiti could play New Caledonia in the cross-over semi-finals.”

“I’m confident it will be a PNG vs. Tahiti showdown for gold and silver, with Wallis and Futuna and New Caledonia contesting bronze.”