Week Three of the 2026 ABAVA Business League concluded at the YMCA Sports Complex on Saturday, October 24, with UWI, Sandals and Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) all securing 2–0 victories in a triple-header that offered three very different stories: a costly late arrival, a convincing second-set performance and a composed finish to the evening.
The results brought an eventful week to a close after Wednesday’s two three-set encounters and Thursday’s pair of straight-set decisions. Saturday’s programme, however, required no deciding sets, as each winning team completed its assignment in two.
UWI Benefits from Opening-Set Forfeit
The opening fixture between UWI and 77 Bus Service began with an unusual setback for the transport team. A late arrival resulted in 77 Bus Service forfeiting the first set, which was officially recorded 25–0 in UWI’s favour. That score reflects the forfeit rather than points won during play.
Once action got underway in the second set, 77 Bus Service offered a much stronger challenge. The team remained competitive, but UWI held on to take the set 25–21 and confirm a 2–0 match victory. The contest was a reminder of the importance of punctuality in tournament competition, as well as the ability to make the most of an advantage when it presents itself.
Result: UWI defeated 77 Bus Service 2–0 (25–0, forfeit; 25–21).
Sandals Turns Up the Pressure Against Zamine Shipping
The second match saw Sandals meet Zamine Shipping, with the resort team recording a 25–21, 25–13 win. Zamine remained within reach in the opening set, but Sandals did enough to claim the early advantage and place the pressure on its opponents.
The second set was more decisive. Sandals widened the gap and closed out the encounter 25–13, completing another straight-set victory in the week’s competition. For Zamine, the result marked a difficult finish to a week in which it had also pushed Media to three sets on Wednesday before losing 2–1.
Result: Sandals defeated Zamine Shipping 2–0 (25–21, 25–13).
ECAB Has the Final Word Against Media
The evening’s final match paired ECAB with Media, two teams looking to close the week on a positive note. ECAB set the tone with a 25–16 opening-set win, putting Media under pressure to respond.
Media improved its tally in the second set, but ECAB maintained its advantage and sealed the match 25–18. The 2–0 result added to the bankers’ strong week, following their straight-set win over Royalton Antigua on Thursday. Media, meanwhile, entered the encounter having recovered from a set down to beat Zamine Shipping on Wednesday, but could not produce a similar turnaround on Saturday.
Result: ECAB defeated Media 2–0 (25–16, 25–18).
Week Three Underscores the League’s Competitive Variety
Across the week, the Business League showcased contrasting forms of competition. Wednesday featured Media’s comeback against Zamine Shipping and an exceptional 24–22 deciding set in APUA’s win over Nate Burton Photography. Thursday brought convincing victories for Sandals over 77 Bus Service and ECAB over Royalton Antigua. Saturday then concluded with three 2–0 results, including UWI’s forfeit-assisted opening victory.
The combination of close contests, shifts in momentum and decisive performances continues to give supporters plenty to follow as the tournament progresses. ABAVA encourages volleyball fans, participating businesses and the wider public to keep supporting the teams and the development of the sport.
For upcoming fixtures, results and highlights, follow the Antigua and Barbuda Volleyball Association on Facebook, @antiguavolleyball on Instagram, or visit antiguavolleyball.com.
WORK HARD. PLAY HARDER.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: UWI, Sandals and ECAB Close Week Three with Straight-Set Victories.