The Tonga national volleyball team lost to both Fiji and New Zealand in a qualifying competition for the Volleyball World Cup last week in Suva, Fiji.

Tonga lost by straight sets to both Fiji 3 – 0 and New Zealand 3 – 0. New Zealand won the competition after beating Fiji 3 – 1 on October 29, the final day of the competition.

Team Tonga also struggled in the Oceania Zonal Championships, a development competition which ran simultaneously with the World Cup qualifying competition from October 24-29. Tonga finished in 4^th place out of 7 teams that participated. The Championship consisted of three Fijian teams (Fiji White, Fiji Blue, Fiji Black), the Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Tonga.

Tonga’s only win came against the Cook Islands in its first pool match, Tonga winning all sets 3 – 0. They lost their second pool match against Fiji White 3 – 1 and later their semi-final matchup against New Zealand 3 – 0.

In a game to decide 4^th place Tonga lost again to Fiji White 3 - 0.

New Zealand won the Oceania Zonal Championship after beating Fiji Blue 3 – 1.

Tonga National Men’s Volleyball Team

Sione Vake (Tuilokomana)
Malakai Fakaosi (Tuilokomana)
Teu Tongi (Fung Atele)
Maka Valu (Tuilokomana)
Metuisela Vainikolo (Tuilokomana)
Moto Vakalahi (Funga Atele)
Nomani Manulevu (Siulanga He Ofa)
Salesi Tuakoi (Tuilokomana)

Esefa Hema Latu (Head Coach)
Tevita Siale (Assistant Coach)
Epalahame Taukeiaho (Team Manager)