Kinoya Green have been crowned the new champions of the women’s division at the 2025 HBK Easter Volleyball Championship.
In a match that kept spectators on edge from start to finish, Kinoya Green rallied from a set down to secure a 3–2 win in a thrilling finale over Lautoka Green at Suva’s Vodafone Arena.
Set scores:
Kinoya Green 21–25, 25–16, 24-26, 25-11, 15–11
Kinoya’s win was led by national team representatives Sally Aitchenson and Vasiti Baleilomaloma, whose composure proved pivotal in the crucial moments of the match.
After losing a tightly contested third set, Kinoya stormed back to dominate the fourth 25–11, before holding off a late Lautoka fightback to clinch the final set 15–11.
Lautoka Green, who were without any national reps, leaned heavily on their beach volleyball stars Sera Speed and Laite Nima, who impressed with experience and quick transitions throughout the match.
The win marks a significant achievement for Kinoya Green. The side’s lack of proper facilities did not show in their campaign. Enroute to the finals, Kinoya Green outranked last year’s champions Mid Central One 2-1 in the quarterfinals.
Head coach Asesela Duarara credited the players talent and resilience.
“Looking back at our preparation, we didn’t prepare well. Kinoya has no facilities,” Duarara admitted. “We have very young players, but they are talented. We only have two national reps in Sally and Vasiti Baleilomaloma.”
Duarara dedicated the win to the Kinoya men’s team, who did not advance in the competition. Their men’s team lost out to eventual runners-up Raiwai One in one of the quarterinals match-ups.
“We dedicate this win to the men’s team who didn’t make it,” he said. “We are so lucky and blessed to have talented players.”
Kinoya Green defeated Nasinu Red in the semifinals.
Prize distribution:
Champions (Kinoya Green): $2,000
Runners-up (Lautoka Green): $1,000
Semifinalists (Nasinu Red, Suva Blues): $250 each
Most Valuable Player: $50 (Finau – Kinoya Green)
