Raptors, NamPol women lead early VNL standings

Namibian Defence Force (NDF) Raptors and NamPol emerged as the early pace-setters after the opening round of the MTC Volleyball National League (VNL) held in Otjiwarongo last weekend.

Competing in the men’s section, NDF Raptors opened their campaign by recording straight-set (3-0) victories over Afrocat C and newly promoted NamPower.

They conceded their only set of the round in their final match against University of Namibia (Unam) Hard Hitters, but still secured a comfortable 3-1 win.

Meanwhile, defending champions Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) dropped two sets in their victories over Hard Hitters and NamPol (both 3-1). Their only straight-set win came against newly promoted Brutal Pact.

How NCS missed the top

Two-time champions NCS were pipped to the top spot by last season’s runners-up, Raptors. Although both teams collected nine points from three matches, Raptors lead the standings on a superior set ratio of 9.00 compared to NCS’s 4.50.

NamPol occupy third place after recording two wins from three matches. They defeated Hard Hitters 3-0 and Calvary Eagles 3-1 to remain within reach of the leaders.

Brutal Pact sit fourth, level with NamPol on six points after 3-1 victories over Calvary Eagles and fellow newcomers NamPower. However, NamPol conceded fewer sets (four compared to Brutal Pact’s five), giving them the better set ratio of 1.75 to 1.20.

Afrocat C failed to register a win in Otjiwarongo, losing 3-1 to Calvary Eagles before sharing points with NamPower in a five-set encounter (3-2). Their single point kept them above the bottom of the table.

Hard Hitters endured a difficult opening round and failed to collect any points.

How NamPol overtook Revivals

In the women’s section, last season’s third-placed NamPol produced the biggest result of the round by defeating two-time defending champions Revivals in straight sets.

NamPol began their campaign with a 3-1 victory over newly promoted Blaze Aces, dropping a set in the process. They then built momentum with a straight-set win over last season’s runners-up Unam Queens.

Those results placed NamPol at the top of the women’s standings with the maximum nine points.

Revivals’ defeat to NamPol proved costly despite their dominant 3-0 wins over Six Stars and Blaze Aces. The loss denied them the early lead and left them tied on six points with NDF Phoenixes and Unam Queens.

Only space for one team

Phoenixes defeated Six Stars in straight sets and newly promoted Afrocat Ladies 3-1, with their only loss coming against Kudos (3-0).

Queens, meanwhile, secured 3-1 victories over Six Stars and Afrocat Ladies, with their only defeat coming against NamPol.

With three teams tied on six points, set ratio once again determined the standings. Revivals’ ratio of 2.00 secured second place, followed by Phoenixes with 1.50 (in third) and Queens with 1.20 (in fourth).

Elsewhere, Kudos suffered defeats to Afrocat Ladies (3-2) and Blaze Aces (3-1). However, their five-set result against Afrocat and a straight-set victory over Phoenixes earlier in the round lifted them to fifth place with four points.

Changing lives through sport

Namibia Volleyball Federation president Tobias Eden Mwatelulo said he is encouraged by the continued growth of the league.

“Teams show better preparation, discipline and tactical awareness on the court with each round. This reflects the hard work being done by the coaches and players themselves to raise the standard of the game,” he said.

He also lauded the spectators who travel long distances across the country to rally behind their teams. Mwatelulo further commended the league management for its professional organisation.

“We express sincere appreciation to MTC for their continued support. Their partnership is creating opportunities that are positively changing lives through sport.

“I also encourage more corporate partners to support sport. With sport being a key priority in the current government agenda, partnerships will be vital in helping us further develop the game and expand opportunities for young athletes,” said Mwatelulo.

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