ISSA all-island volleyball climaxes with mega clashes
Published:Tuesday | March 26, 2024 | 12:11 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
THE 2024 Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Volleyball competition will conclude today with two massive games. In the day’s opening fixture, Wolmer’s Girls will oppose Knox College for the girls’ title while Jamaica College will clash with St Jago for the boys’ crown. Action is set to tip off at 2 p.m. at the G.C. Foster College Gymnasium.
Oneil Ebanks, head coach of Wolmer’s Girls, stated that while it might be uncharted territory for some of the players, their aim is to finish the season on a high note.
“For some of the girls, it’s the first time that they will be playing in an all-island final, while others have been there before. Therefore, there’s a little bit of nerves as last year we finished second but we would love to go one better, so that’s the main focus,” he stated.
Wolmer’s Girls claimed the urban area title on the back of a five-set thriller against Hillel. According to coach Ebanks, going the distance against a spirited Hillel team tested the championship mettle of his group and he is hoping that energy will carry over into the clash with Knox College.
“It certainly will do a lot for us because we went five sets in the championship and we want to use that as a positive. We were pushed to the limit by Hillel and we’re here now. I haven’t really watched them (Knox) that much this season but I’m aware that they have players with quality, so we have to go in playing our best game,” he explained.
Defending all-island champions Knox College are in good shape mentally heading into the clash. Coach Colin Rose stated that his team is aware that they will have to put in a good shift in order to retain that crown.
“The vibe within the team is good as each player is aware of the task at hand. We know that we’re defending champions and have to come and play like champions in order to retain the title,” Rose said.
Coach Rose added that while he does not know a lot about the Wolmer’s Girls’ style of play he expects a good show from his team.
“I saw them play in preseason but teams improve over time. We haven’t seen them since then, so I’m not quite sure what they’re coming with. Regardless of that, we should have a good game today,” he added.
The all-island boys’ clash between Jamaica College and St Jago will tip off at 4 p.m. at the same venue.