The New Providence Volleyball Association (NPVA) commenced its 2014 season with two tough games on Sunday night at the D.W. Davis Gymnasium.
In the women's division, the Johnson's Lady Truckers took down the defending champion Scottsdale Vixens in five sets (25-21, 16-25, 25-21, 19-25 and 15-5), and in men's action, the Scotiabank Defenders managed to edge out the Technicians also in five sets (19-25, 25-15, 18-25, 25-19 and 15-7).
"After Sunday night's performances I think that we're going to have a very competitive season, especially in the men's division, because even though the number of teams dropped from eight to five, we had players that joined forces with other teams to help strengthen them," said Vince Smith, NPVA's president.
"In the women's division we are looking to implement a feeder system. You are going to have three high level teams, as well as three junior teams. Two of the teams are made up mostly of school kids and that's going to help our school programs, as well as the junior national team that travels next year. Getting them on the court can also help the senior national team as well."
Prior to the season, decorated head coach and North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) instructor Augusto Sabbatini held development practices at D.W. Davis Gymnasium to work with some of the junior and senior players.
"Coach Sabbatini is here on call from the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and NORCECA and his job is to help develop the sport of volleyball in the Caribbean region," Smith added. "He is on loan to The Bahamas for a one-month period and what we decided is while he is here, we are going to take full advantage of it."
Smith feels that the implementation of the feeder system, along with the strengthened teams in the men's division, should be able to bring new fans to the gym.
"Our first night was a very good showing as we saw a lot of new faces, which means as a result of the level of play, we are hoping that the fans would get the caliber of volleyball that they pay to see. Based on the two games played we know that fans are going to be thrilled to come and watch some competitive volleyball.
"With the school kids making up a greater portion of the women's division, we know that family members and friends will come out to support their young ones. So we are looking forward to that and creating a fun and safe environment that makes them feel comfortable coming out to the gym."
NPVA action continues on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the D.W. Davis Gymnasium. In the opening game, COB will take on the Lady Technicians, while the Warriors will clash with the Intruders in the second game.

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