JDF return with strong charge in indoor league

Despite fielding under-strength teams, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) commanded attention by taking their first two matches in Sunday's first day of play in the Reggae Jammin Business House Volleyball Indoor League.

Rain and late start aside, the soldiers easily rolled over first-time entrants Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Hummers 21-9 and 21-8 in the opening mixed-team game, then took another 2-0 victory, this time from Guardian Life in the first male match. Key player George Tait churned out five kills and six aces to take them to victory over a spirited Guardian Life who led early but could not hold on when the soldiers decided to quick march to a 21-15 and 21-17 score.

Gators on top

Defending overall champions Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Gators continued to set the pace for all challengers by winning all three of their matches. First, the female team got a walkover from RJR who forfeited both their games for the day, then their females moved on to chomp their way to a two-set victory over the female Guardian Lifers, 21-3, 21-15. This victory was due to the three kills and eight aces by BOJ captain Tracey-Ann Findlay. The male Gators were more challenged. After easily winning their first set against AMECO 21-10, they had to dig deep to outlast them 21-19 in the second set.

mixed fortunes

UWI Pelicans had mixed fortunes on the day with the male team beating Jamaica Urban Transport Corporation 21-9, 21-12, then the mixed team lost ground as the drivers and conductors took over 2-1 with 21-14, 21-16 scores.

The ever-improving Guardian Life ended the day with a win. After losses to the JDF and the BOJ, and losing the first set against debutants Pan Caribbean 18-21, they showed their true potential and won the next two sets 21-12, 21-12 to take the match 2-1. Their main scorer, Stokely Lindo, had 10 kills, two serving aces and one block.

In spite of the inclement weather, all 11 matches on day one of the 2011 Reggae Jammin' Volleyball League were completed at the University of the West Indies gymnasium. Games should continue on Saturday. With the influx of new teams, additional playing days have been added to the traditional Sundays.