SPORTS

In spite of some heavy weather earlier in the day, and the threat of more to come, the grand opening of the bMobile Filipino Volleyball League went ahead as planned on Saturday 3 June. The organisers pushed ahead with their preparations, only to have a light drizzle start out just as the teams started arriving. Fortunately it cleared away quickly, and it was on with the festivities.

According to league coordinator Pie Ocampo, this is the best proof he has ever seen of the power of prayer.

Many spectators were however not convinced that the weather would hold, and the turnout was not what the organisers had been hoping for, but there was still a substantial crowd present.

The evening was kicked off with a parade of the teams set to participate in the league. The teams entered the court in alphabetic order, led by American Airlines. They were followed by Bavaria, D Killah, Edrick, Jamin Construction, Pangasinan Waves, Prince Louie, Ritz Carlton, Texaco Shedden Road, The Replacement, and Uncle Bill's.

The parade was followed by the playing of the National Song and an opening prayer by Pastor Al Ebanks.

Noel Williams, President of the Cayman Islands Volleyball Federation, made the opening remarks, followed by the Agapes Children's Choir singing 'Children of the World'.

Also in attendance was Minister of Sport, the Hon Alden McLaughlin, who gave a speech in which he commended the players and organisers for leading active lives and inspiring others to do so.

The opening ceremony was conducted by Director of Sport, Dalton Watler, who lit the ceremonial torches.

Nick Buder of bMobile and Cable & Wireless also presented a message on behalf of the sponsors.

Other important dignitaries in attendance were Assistant Permanent Secretary Joel Francis, as well as  Tommy Bodden, owner of league co-sponsors Arthur Treacher's and Miami Subs Grill. Other co-sponsors of the league are China Village, Domino's Pizza, Wendy's, Tortuga Rum, House of Carpets, Lee's Office Products, Fosters Food Fair, and Party Mart .

The formal part of the evening was concluded with the selection of the best team mascot, with the award going to Ashley Jacaban.

The league was kicked off immediately thereafter by Ritz Carlton, who took a hard-fought 23-25, 25-22, 16-14 victory over Prince Louie.

American Airlines also lost their first set against Bavaria on their way to a 24-26, 25-21, 15-12 victory in the second match.

Texaco had things more their own way, taking a clear two set victory against Uncle Bill's, 25-15, 25-4.

D Killah came back from one set down to win their match against Edrick by 17-25, 25-21, 15-11.

The final match of the evening saw Jamin Construction take a hard-fought two set victory over Pangasinan Waves, 25-23, 25-21.

After a weekend of less than ideal weather, a number of postponed matches were decided earlier this week.

On Monday 12 June, Texaco came back from a set down to take Ritz Carlton in a 17-25, 25-10, 15-9 match.

The Replacement took a clear win over Uncle Bill's as they ran away with it in two sets, 25-10, 25-21.

D Killah kept up their solid run of performances as they defeated American Airlines in a 26-24, 26-28, 15-12 thriller.

The final match of the evening saw Edrick come back from a terrible first set to take a close three set victory over Bavaria 14-25, 26-24, 15-13.

On Tuesday 13 June, Jamin came back from a lacklustre first set to defeat Prince Louie 17-25, 25-10, 15-9.

Bavaria ended D Killah's smooth run as they took them out in two close sets, 26-24, 25-23.
American Airlines made up for their slip the previous evening as they took out The Replacement in two clear sets, 25-18, 25-19.

The final match of the evening saw Texaco slip in the second set, only to recover their composure and take out Prince Louie in three sets, 25-21, 20-25, 15-9.

Matches are played on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6:30 pm until 9:00 pm at Airport Park, with postponed matches being played on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

The round robin phase of the league is set to run until 1 July, followed by a knock-out section. All Star matches will be played on 8 July, with the league finals on 9 July.

Every Sunday, prizes donated by the league sponsors can be won in a raffle open to all spectators.