Wolmer's Girls, Frome spike volleyball titles

Anthony Foster, Freelance writer

Wolmer's Girls pulled themselves back from the jaws of defeat to beat Godfrey Stewart 3-2 to capture their third straight title, while Frome beat Wolmer's 3-0 for the boys' title as the Jamaica Volleyball Association schools' leagues ended on Thursday.

In the finals played at G.C. Foster College on Thursday, Wolmer's recovered from two sets down by winning the final three sets to continue their dominance of local schoolgirls volleyball, while Frome Technical, in just their second season, outclassed Wolmer's Boys in a one-sided contest.

In the third place play-offs, St. Hugh's failed to show, thus giving St. Jago the bronze medal by default, while St. Jago defeated Camperdown in the best-of-three boys' match.

Wolmer's' coach, Oneil Ebanks, said he had anticipated a tough challenge, especially after finding themselves down 25-16, 25-17. They bounced back, however, winning the remaining sets 25-15, 25-21, 15-6.

"This year I really had a weak team, a weak attack was the real concern I had with this team," he explained.

"I was expecting this challenge because Godfrey Stewart has quality players and we knew we had to play good defence to get by them," he added.

However, he praised his girls' effort and said experience carried them through.

Strong mental game

"Experience, technical and strong mental game" was how he described the key facets of their success.

"They have been to the final on more than one occasion, they concentrate and know what to expect," said Ebanks, who received an award for his tremendous services to volleyball in Jamaica, at the closing ceremony.

In the boys' contest, Frome were dominant in a three-set victory - 25-17, 25-19, 25-18.

Errol Smith, coach of Frome, said his team was rewarded for hard work.

"It was good, I worked hard with the boys since the last team," said Smith. "I retained most of the boys so we have been working hard this year. We got a lot of practice games and that helped," he added.

"Prior to the semi-finals and final we played a practice game against Vikings A from Westmoreland, which helped us a lot," he continued.

Smith, who introduced volleyball to Frome Technical after returning to Westmoreland two years ago, said this result means a lot for the sport in western Jamaica.