After a brief pause for CHOGM, the ABAVA Business League returned to the YMCA Sports Complex on Thursday, November 5, and closed out Week 5 on Saturday, November 7. Five matches across the two nights brought two three-set battles, three straight-set results and no shortage of determination from teams eager to get back on court.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5
APUA had to work for its first win of the week against 77 Bus Services. A tight 25–23 opening set went APUA’s way, but 77 Bus Services responded 25–21 to force a decider. With the match still up for grabs, APUA found the edge in the final set, winning 15–11 to take the contest 2–1.
ECAB followed with a 2–0 victory over UWI, though the university side made the bankers earn it. ECAB took the first set 25–22 before UWI pushed the second right to the finish. The bankers held on 26–24, sealing a straight-set win that was anything but comfortable.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Nate Burton Photography opened Saturday’s programme with a 2–0 win over Media. Nate took the first set 25–17, but Media raised its game in the second and kept the pressure on. Nate managed the closing points well enough to finish 25–22 and secure the sweep.
APUA then returned to the court and made it two wins for the week, defeating Royalton Antigua 25–20, 25–16. Royalton stayed within reach in the opening set, but APUA pulled further ahead in the second to close out the match 2–0.
The night’s final match provided the biggest twist. Zamine Shipping Services looked comfortable after taking the first set against 77 Bus Services 25–15. But the buses refused to head back to the terminal, battling through a tense second set to win 26–24. The deciding set was just as close, with Zamine eventually squeezing through 15–13 for a hard-earned 2–1 victory. For 77 Bus Services, it was another narrow defeat after a determined fightback.
WEEK 5 AT A GLANCE
Thursday: APUA def. 77 Bus Services 2–1 (25–23, 21–25, 15–11)
Thursday: ECAB def. UWI 2–0 (25–22, 26–24)
Saturday: Nate Burton Photography def. Media 2–0 (25–17, 25–22)
Saturday: APUA def. Royalton Antigua 2–0 (25–20, 25–16)
Saturday: Zamine Shipping Services def. 77 Bus Services 2–1 (25–15, 24–26, 15–13)
With Week 5 complete, the pressure is building. APUA leaves the week with two wins, while the close finishes are a reminder that no team can afford to take a set for granted as the league moves into Week 6.
For fixtures, results and updates, follow the Antigua and Barbuda Volleyball Association on Facebook, @antiguavolleyball on Instagram, or visit antiguavolleyball.com
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Five Matches, Two Nights: Business League Returns with Close Calls and Comebacks.